Billionaire investor Bill Ackman has made a significant $10,000 contribution to an online fundraiser supporting the family of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis nurse who was tragically fatally shot by federal immigration agents last week. This donation comes amid a backdrop of controversy, as Ackman recently made a similar $10,000 donation to a fundraiser for an ICE agent involved in another shooting incident.
Details of the Alex Pretti Incident
Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old US citizen, was killed during a confrontation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Minnesota. Disturbing video footage circulating online shows Pretti filming the officers when he was reportedly sprayed with chemicals, tackled, and then shot multiple times in the back. This violent encounter has ignited widespread protests and calls for justice, highlighting tensions between law enforcement and communities.
The GoFundMe Campaign and Public Response
Ackman's donation was channeled through the GoFundMe campaign titled "Alex Pretti is an American Hero," which has successfully raised over $1 million to date. The campaign was specifically created to assist Pretti's family with immediate expenses and ongoing needs following his untimely death. The billionaire's decision to contribute followed public appeals on social media platforms, where activists like Shannon Watts urged him to take action.
Notably, Ackman's net worth is estimated at approximately $9.4 billion according to Forbes, making his $10,000 donations a small but symbolically charged gesture. His involvement has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as supportive and others as opportunistic.
Ackman's Previous Donation to ICE Agent Jonathan Ross
Earlier in January, Bill Ackman donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign supporting Jonathan Ross, an ICE agent involved in the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good on January 7, 2026. Good was a 37-year-old mother of three who was shot and killed by Ross during a traffic stop in Minneapolis, an incident that also sparked protests and debates over use of force.
Ackman explained that his donation to the Ross fundraiser was intended to help cover potential legal costs for the agent, based on his belief in the legal principle that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He mentioned that he also wanted to support a fundraiser for Good's family but was unable to do so because that campaign had already closed by the time he attempted to contribute.
Backlash and Social Media Reactions
The GoFundMe for Ross faced significant backlash, as the platform's terms of service prohibit raising money for the legal defense of individuals accused of violent crimes. In response to criticism, Ackman stated on social media that his contributions were not meant as political statements but rather as personal gestures of support.
However, social media users have been quick to question his motives. Many argue that Ackman is attempting damage control after taking both sides in two fatal shootings within a single month. Comments from users like Andy and Rojan Seth suggest perceptions that he is hedging his bets or trying to distance himself from pro-ICE rhetoric linked to these deaths.
This series of donations by a high-profile billionaire underscores the complex interplay between wealth, justice, and public perception in sensitive cases involving law enforcement and civilian fatalities. As the stories continue to unfold, they reflect broader societal debates on accountability and support in times of crisis.
