Following the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis last week, two competing GoFundMe campaigns emerged. While one campaign has raised $1.5 million for Good’s family, another has collected nearly $400,000 for the officer, Jonathan Ross.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman donated $10,000 to the campaign supporting Ross and shared a post about it on Saturday. The campaign was initially created by an account using the name Clyde Emmons, of Michigan. Accounts linked to Emmons reportedly posted white supremacist imagery and disparaging remarks about Good, calling her “a stupod bitch who got what she deserved.”
At the time the fundraiser appeared, a Facebook page associated with Emmons displayed an extremist meme as its profile picture. According to the Anti-Defamation League, the image depicts a Nazi salute and is considered a hate symbol, representing an allusion to white supremacy.
GoFundMe has stated it is investigating the campaign. The company’s terms of service prohibit fundraising for the legal defense of violent crimes and for activities supporting extremism or hate. As of Monday, the campaign for Ross remained active. Neither Emmons nor Ackman have responded to requests for comment.
Ackman confirmed his donation on X, stating he attempted to donate to the fundraiser for Good as well but found it had already closed. He described the situation as “a tragedy,” characterizing the shooting as the result of a split-second interaction between an officer “doing his best to do his job” and a protester.
A post from a Facebook page identified as belonging to Emmons, made on Friday, offered a starkly different perspective, stating, “i made one for the ice officer that did his job lets get this man some money.” The post was later edited.
Ackman has publicly criticized alleged antisemitism on university campuses and has aligned with the ADL on related issues. He previously supported the ADL’s response to controversy surrounding a gesture by Elon Musk that many considered a Nazi salute.
The Trump administration has defended Ross’s actions as justified, while Minnesota state leaders have called for an investigation. Video footage obtained by The Intercept reportedly contradicts the administration’s account of the events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Clyde Emmons?
Clyde Emmons is the individual identified as creating the GoFundMe campaign for ICE agent Jonathan Ross. Accounts linked to Emmons reportedly shared white supremacist imagery and made disparaging remarks about Renee Nicole Good.
What is Bill Ackman’s connection to the GoFundMe campaign?
Bill Ackman donated $10,000 to the GoFundMe campaign for Jonathan Ross and shared a post about the fundraiser on X, formerly known as Twitter.
What is GoFundMe’s position on the fundraising campaigns?
GoFundMe is investigating the campaign for Jonathan Ross to ensure it complies with their terms of service, which prohibit fundraising for the legal defense of violent crimes and activities supporting extremism or hate.
How might the outcome of GoFundMe’s investigation influence similar campaigns in the future?
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