The tragic death of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis has sparked a nationwide debate over federal authority, public safety, and the ethics of online fundraising. In the weeks following the incident, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent responsible for the shooting has received a flood of donations, pushing his total wealth past the $1 million mark and prompting widespread criticism.
Fatal Shooting in Minneapolis
On January 7, near East 34th Street and Portland Avenue in Minneapolis, Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by ICE agent Jonathan Ross. The incident occurred just blocks from the site where George Floyd was murdered, a fact that heightened public attention and outrage.
Good was struck multiple times—in the chest, arm, and head. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, she was pronounced dead less than an hour after the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the incident immediately triggered public protests, debates over federal use of force, and renewed scrutiny of law enforcement policies in Minneapolis.
Conflicting Narratives
In the days following the shooting, federal officials portrayed Good as a violent threat. President Donald Trump described her as “very violent” and “very radical,” while other government officials labeled her a “lunatic.” These characterizations were sharply criticized by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who dismissed the rhetoric as “bullst.”**
The incident report obtained by media outlets stated that Ross fired shots to Good’s right chest, left forearm, and the left side of her head. Ross has not returned to duty since the event, and Homeland Security officials later referred to the act as “an act of domestic terrorism,” emphasizing that the officer acted defensively to protect himself and others nearby.
Public Support for Good’s Family
In the immediate aftermath, the community rallied around Good’s family. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist her wife and children, raising over $1.5 million in under 48 hours. The campaign quickly closed on January 9, with organizers noting that the funds would be placed in a trust for the family and encouraging further donations to other causes.
“Thank you for your generosity. We’ve closed this GoFundMe and will place the funds in a trust for the family. If you’re looking to donate, we encourage you to support others in need. We’re truly grateful.”
This response highlighted both the emotional impact of Good’s death and the community’s commitment to supporting her surviving family members during a difficult time.
Online Fundraising for Jonathan Ross
As fundraising for Good’s family concluded, donations began to pour in for Jonathan Ross, the ICE agent involved in the shooting. Several campaigns were created on platforms such as GoFundMe and GiveSendGo, raising substantial amounts in a short period.
One GoFundMe campaign, organized by supporter Clyde Emmons, raised nearly $760,000, while a separate fundraiser on GiveSendGo brought in over $283,000, collectively pushing Ross’s total donations past the $1 million mark. Emmons framed Ross as a wrongly vilified officer, writing:
“After seeing all the media bs about a domestic terrorist getting go fund me. I feel that the officer that was 1000 percent justified in the shooting deserves to have a go fund me [sic]. Funds will go to help him.”
An update posted to the campaign on January 13 confirmed that organizers had contacted Ross and were arranging to transfer the funds “as the officer wishes.”
High-Profile Support
The campaign attracted attention from prominent figures, including billionaire investor Bill Ackman, who donated $10,000 to the fundraiser. Ackman publicly defended his contribution in a post on X, acknowledging the controversy it generated.
“I have been widely reviled (and worse) by many on social and mainstream media for giving $10,000 to a @gofundme for Jonathan Ross, the officer who tragically killed Renee Good. [I had also attempted to support the gofundme for Renee Good’s family, but it was already closed as it had achieved its $1.5 million fundraising objective.]”
Ackman added that his donation was not meant to make a political statement, but rather to ensure that Ross could secure a proper defense. He emphasized that the determination of guilt or innocence should be left to a thorough legal process.
“I supported Ross because I knew he would need significant funds to cover his defense costs. A world in which the accused cannot afford to pay for their defense is not a world any of us should want to live in.”
Public Backlash
The news that Ross has become a millionaire has sparked national outrage, particularly among those who viewed Good’s killing as unjust. Critics argue that supporting the officer financially amounts to endorsing state violence, raising ethical questions about online fundraising and public perception of law enforcement accountability.
Social media users and advocacy groups have condemned the campaigns, noting that the funds may send a troubling message about the value of life and the consequences of lethal actions by federal agents. Demonstrations and public statements have highlighted the tension between legal rights for officers and the community’s demand for justice.
Legal Implications and Defense
While Ross has received substantial financial support, legal experts stress that any determination of criminal culpability must be based on careful investigation and judicial oversight. Questions about the justification for the shooting, adherence to federal guidelines, and the scope of ICE agents’ authority will likely dominate court proceedings in the coming months.
The influx of funds for Ross also raises questions about how public campaigns can influence high-profile legal cases. Supporters argue that funding ensures a fair trial, while critics worry that the public attention and financial backing could complicate impartial legal proceedings.
Broader Societal Debate
The situation touches on several broader issues: the use of federal force, online fundraising ethics, and accountability for law enforcement officials. Many observers see the dual campaigns—one supporting Good’s family, the other Ross—as a microcosm of the polarized public discourse on justice, law enforcement, and civil rights in the United States.
The incident underscores how modern social media platforms can mobilize rapid financial support, for better or worse, and demonstrates how public sentiment can both support victims’ families and empower controversial figures simultaneously.
Moving Forward
As the legal process unfolds, attention will remain on the balance between ensuring accountability for actions taken by law enforcement and upholding the rights of those accused. Both Good’s family and Ross have become central figures in a conversation about justice, fairness, and societal responsibility.
The situation also highlights the potential risks of highly publicized fundraising campaigns in cases involving fatal use of force. Observers note that while crowdfunding can provide critical assistance, it may also inflame public tensions and deepen divisions between communities and federal authorities.
Renee Good’s death and the subsequent financial support for Jonathan Ross are likely to remain a touchstone for national debates about policing, social media influence, and the intersection of law, ethics, and public opinion.