Emmons framed the effort as “1,000 percent justified,” writing, “After seeing all the media BS about a domestic terrorist getting GoFundMe, I feel the officer deserves a GoFundMe.” By January 13, Ross was reportedly in contact with organizers to access the growing seven-figure fund.
High-profile backing escalated the controversy. Billionaire investor Bill Ackman confirmed he donated $10,000 to Ross’s fund, drawing immediate criticism. Critics called it “rewarding a murderer,” while Ackman defended the contribution, saying his support was about due process, not politics. “I supported Ross because he will need significant funds to cover his defense costs,” Ackman explained. “Guilt or innocence should be determined by the legal system, not the virality of social media.”
