Bill Ackman Defends GoFundMe Donation for ICE Officer

Billionaire Bill Ackman has drawn attention for donating $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign supporting the federal immigration officer involved in the fatal shooting of anti-ICE activist Renee Nicole Goode. He admitted that he didn’t fully investigate the circumstances before making the donation.

Ackman, who is 59, confirmed that his donation was the largest for Jonathan Ross, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot Goode in what he described as “defensive shots” during a protest last Wednesday.

In a post, Ackman shared that he has faced considerable backlash on social media and in traditional media since revealing his donation.

In a lengthy statement, he clarified that he had intended to contribute to a GoFundMe for Goode’s family, which was shut down after exceeding its goal with $1.5 million raised.

“My purpose in supporting Ross and seeking to support Good was not to make a political statement. I was simply continuing my longstanding commitment to assisting in the defense of people accused of crimes,” Ackman mentioned.

He expressed skepticism about Ross’s liability in the shooting, suggesting that only a thorough forensic investigation could clarify the details.

Ackman also made an odd reference to a 2003 SEC investigation into his hedge fund, Gotham Partners, implying that it shaped his views on the justice system, although the investigation didn’t yield significant findings.

He emphasized that he felt fortunate to have financial backing from his family during tough times, highlighting his decision to provide Ross with necessary funds for his defense.

He recounted personal experiences, including his support for the Innocence Project and serving as a juror in a date rape case, to illustrate what defendants might endure.

Ackman argued that the digital age has skewed perceptions of presumption of innocence, stating, “In a typical case, the whole world believes you are guilty.” He discussed the immediate consequences defendants face in such situations, including loss of employment and public scorn.

He elaborated on the severe repercussions that can follow accusations, sharing that a person may receive threats, lose relationships, and struggle to maintain their life while waiting for a chance to defend themselves in court.

Ackman wrapped up his statement with a caution for his critics, suggesting that anyone could find themselves unjustly accused in the future. He warned against making quick judgments based solely on initial headlines and limited evidence.

“A world where defendants cannot afford to pay for their defense is not a world any of us want to live in,” he concluded.

For context, Ackman has an estimated net worth of $9.3 billion, meaning his contribution of $10,000 represents a tiny fraction—about 0.0001075%—of his total wealth.