Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has publicly defended his decision to donate $10,000 to Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis last week. The incident has sparked significant public debate, with Ackman’s contribution stirring controversy across social media platforms.
As of Wednesday morning, a GoFundMe page created by Clyde Emmons has raised nearly $700,000 from over 14,000 donors, including Ackman, who is the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday evening, Ackman explained his long-standing commitment to providing legal support for individuals he believes to be innocent.
In his statement, Ackman expressed concern about the media’s quick judgment of individuals before a thorough investigation or trial. “My instinctual reaction to the media convicting someone before an investigation has begun is to be very open to the possibility that the accused is innocent,” he stated. He admitted that he did not conduct extensive research before donating, only viewing a few videos circulating online about the incident.
On January 7, 2026, Ross fatally shot the 36-year-old Good during a confrontation in a residential neighborhood south of downtown Minneapolis. Video footage shows an officer approaching an SUV, demanding the driver open the door, before Ross fired at close range as the vehicle began to move forward. Good succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head at the scene.
Ackman noted that he intended to support Good’s fundraising efforts as well, but stated that the campaign had already met its goal of $1.5 million. “I supported Ross because I knew he would need significant funds to cover his defense costs,” he explained, adding that his donation was not politically motivated. “I was simply continuing my longstanding commitment to assisting those accused of crimes,” he emphasized.
Despite this rationale, Ackman reported facing backlash for his donation. Many critics have accused him of rewarding what they perceive to be the actions of a murderer. “I have been widely reviled (and worse) by many on social and mainstream media,” he stated, addressing the negative reactions to his financial support for Ross.
Ackman described the situation as a tragedy, underscoring the need for cooperation in addressing complex societal issues. “Our country is stronger if we work together to resolve the complex issues that are tearing us apart,” he concluded. According to Forbes, Ackman’s net worth is approximately $9.3 billion, reflecting his significant financial influence in various sectors.
The debate surrounding Ackman’s donation highlights the broader societal divisions regarding law enforcement and accountability, with individuals on both sides of the issue expressing strong opinions. As the case continues to unfold, the implications of these donations and the public’s reaction remain to be seen.
