GoFundMe Breaks Own Policies Hosting Fundraiser for ICE Agent in Fatal Shooting
GoFundMe is allowing a fundraiser for the legal defense of an ICE agent involved in a shooting death, despite rules against fundraising for violent crimes.
Renee Good was a mom of three and the widow of a military veteran. The officer, identified as Jonathan Ross, has not been charged with a crime yet. The FBI is investigating the case after state investigators were blocked from getting involved.
A GoFundMe representative mentioned they are reviewing the fundraiser. They said that all funds are secure and that any campaign against their rules will be canceled. They are also working with the person who started the fundraiser. This person is identified as Clyde Emmons from Mount Forest, Michigan.
Initially, the fundraiser’s description said the money would help pay for the officer’s legal services. After a question was raised, this was changed. Even with these changes, the page still has phrases saying, “Give to cover Jonathan’s legal defense.”
This situation is different from GoFundMe’s actions in past cases where they’ve removed fundraisers for officers facing charges related to violent incidents. In 2015, they shut down campaigns for officers charged in the deaths of Freddie Gray and Walter Scott because of similar policy violations.