A GoFundMe which was launched in honour of Alex Pretti has raised more than $1.2million, drastically exceeding its $20,000 target - and billionaire Bill Ackman is among those who have put their hands in their pockets.
Tens of thousands of people have contributed to the online fundraiser, which was set up to support the family of the intensive care nurse, who was fatally shot and killed by an ICE agent.
Just weeks after Renee Good was killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, further blood has been shed in the city.
Harrowing footage which has been circulating online showed how Pretti, 37, was shot dead by an agent on Saturday (24 January) morning.
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According to Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino, a 'targeted' immigration enforcement operation was taking place in the area when the incident took place.
Bovino is among the officials in the US who have alleged that Pretti approached the agents with a '9mm semi-automatic' before 'violently resisting', despite videos recorded by bystanders suggesting otherwise.
In the wake of conflicting stories emerging regarding the fatal shooting, the victim's parents, Michael and Susan, slammed the 'sickening lies' being spread, adding: "Please get the truth out about our son. He was a good man."
Warning: contains graphic content
In a statement to Kare11, they said: "We are heartbroken but also very angry. Alex was a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for as an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA hospital. Alex wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately he will not be with us to see his impact.
"I do not throw around the hero term lightly. However his last thought and act was to protect a woman.
"The sickening lies told about our son by the administration are reprehensible and disgusting. Alex is clearly not holding a gun when attacked by Trump's murdering and cowardly ICE thugs.
"He has his phone in his right hand and his empty left hand is raised above his head while trying to protect the woman ICE just pushed down all while being pepper sprayed."
Following Pretti's passing, a GoFundMe which describes him as 'an American hero' was launched with the aim of 'supporting the loved ones he leaves behind with immediate and ongoing needs'.
It quickly gained traction online, smashing its $20,000 target within a short space of time - and on Sunday (25 January), activist and author Shannon Watts brought it to the attention of hedge fund manager Bill Ackman.
In a post on X, she wrote: "Hey @BillAckman - This family could use the $10,000 you donated to Renee Good’s killer. Please donate."
As Watts mentioned, the wealthy businessman controversially offered financial support to a fundraiser set up for ICE agent Jonathan Ross, who fatally shot mother-of-three Renee Good just a few weeks ago.
In response, Ackman said in a social media post: "Done. That said, I don’t agree with the GoFundMe that he is an American hero, but his loss is tragic for him and his family."
The 59-year-old - who is one of the wealthiest men on the planet, boasting a net worth of $9.3 billion, according to Forbes - pledged $10,000 to the fundraiser for Pretti's loved ones.
Following on from confirming he had made a donation, a social media user responded to Ackman's post saying: "Well done. Although, someone who served our military vets should always be considered a hero."
He then simply responded saying 'yes'.
An update shared to the GoFundMe yesterday by the organisers explained that Pretti's father has now been 'added as the beneficiary of the fundraiser, so the family now has direct access to the funds raised'.
"Thank you to everyone who has been so generous either donating or sharing the fundraiser - you are what America can look like at our best," the update added.
Topics: Money, GoFundMe, US News, World News
Olivia Burke