GoFundMe pulls fundraiser for officer, new fundraiser over $60K

SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- GoFundMe removed the Fraternal Order of Police fundraiser for South Bend Police Sergeant Ryan O'Neill because it violated the terms and conditions of the site, according to posts by the company. A new fundraiser was set up on another site.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #36 started the fundraiser on Monday to help pay for Sgt. O'Neill's legal bills.

The campaign was cancelled the following day. A post by GoFundMe's Community Management Team says the campaign was removed because it was, "in support of, or for the legal defense of alleged crimes associated with hate, violence, harassment, bullying, discrimination, terrorism, or intolerance of any kind relating to race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity, or serious disabilities or diseases."

A second fundraiser was set up on July 2 on Fundly that has raised over $60,000 in less than 24 hours.

Organizers posted a statement from Sgt. O'Neill:

I'd like to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude, not only to the people who have donated, but to everyone who is following the events in South Bend. The level of support we've received is simply overwhelming!

Like so many American families, ours is focused on loving each other and working hard. Being thrown into the middle of a Presidential campaign was something we never anticipated. The support we've received is tremendous and has helped to balance the intense pressure we're under.

Our family will soon grow by one, but this event has helped us realize that we were part of a much larger family all along.

Your brother in blue,

Sgt. Ryan O'Neill