Billionaire Bill Ackman Defends Controversial Donation to ICE Agent
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has responded to public criticism following his $10,000 donation to an online fundraiser. The fundraiser supports a US immigration officer involved in a fatal shooting incident in Minnesota earlier this month.
Ackman Confirms Donation to GoFundMe Campaign
Ackman confirmed on social media platform X that he contributed to the GoFundMe campaign. The campaign aims to cover potential legal costs for ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Authorities describe the shooting as an act of self-defense.
The fundraiser had collected more than $660,000 by Wednesday. Over 8,000 donors contributed to the campaign. Ackman's $10,000 donation stands as one of the largest individual contributions.
Community Reaction and Political Fallout
Renee Nicole Good was a mother of three children. Bystanders captured her death on video. The incident sparked immediate protests across Minneapolis. Democratic leaders and progressive activists condemned the shooting.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz demanded federal immigration agents leave the city and state. Despite these calls, authorities have not charged Ross with any crime. The Department of Justice has not announced whether it will pursue charges in this case.
White House officials and former Trump administration aides have defended Ross's actions. They argue the agent acted appropriately during the encounter.
Ackman Explains His Motivation
Bill Ackman possesses an estimated net worth of $9.3 billion according to Forbes. He called the backlash against his donation unnecessary. Ackman claimed people misinterpreted his intentions.
In a detailed post on X, Ackman wrote about media characterization of his donation. He said, "My donation to Ross has been characterized in social media by the press as my 'giving a reward to the murderer of Renee Good.' This appears designed to generate clicks and boost virality. Some use it to advance political objectives."
Ackman emphasized his donation aimed to ensure a fair trial for the ICE agent. He stated, "My purpose in supporting Ross and attempting to support Good was not to make a political statement. I continue my longstanding commitment to assisting those accused of crimes with their legal defense."
Attempted Donation to Victim's Family
Ackman revealed he tried to donate to a separate fundraiser for Good's family. He could not complete this donation because the campaign already reached its $1.5 million target. The family fundraiser closed after achieving its financial goal.
Personal Experience Shapes Perspective
The billionaire referenced his own life experience to explain his actions. Ackman said he faced false accusations twenty-three years ago. He claimed someone accused him of a crime he did not commit.
This experience led him to support the Innocence Project. The organization works to exonerate wrongfully convicted prisoners through DNA testing and legal advocacy.
Ackman declared, "As a result of all of the above, I am a fierce advocate for the American legal principle. One is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a judge or by a jury of one's peers."
Limited Research Before Donation
Ackman admitted he conducted minimal research before donating to Ross's fundraiser. He explained, "When the tragic Ross/Good case blew up on X, I did not do any due diligence on the case. I only quickly reviewed the handful of videos circulating online."
GoFundMe Reviews Fundraising Campaigns
GoFundMe announced it is reviewing all fundraisers connected to the shooting. Company terms prohibit raising money for legal defense of anyone formally charged with a violent crime. GoFundMe stated funds will remain held during their review process.
Public Versus Anonymous Donation
Despite the controversy, Ackman defended his decision to donate publicly rather than anonymously. He warned, "One day you may find yourself accused of a crime you did not commit. You might lack the financial resources needed to defend yourself."
He added, "You and your family will pray that someone will be open to believing you are innocent. You will hope someone will help you pay for your defense."
Ackman later replied to his own post with clarification. He confirmed, "And to be clear, Ross has only been convicted by some in the world of public opinion. He has not been charged with a crime."
