Law enforcement groups are blasting online support for Rodney Hinton Jr., the Ohio father accused of intentionally killing a sheriff’s deputy in an act of apparent retaliation for the death of his son, Ryan Hinton. National Police Association spokesperson Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith (Ret.) called it a dangerous trend that emboldens anti-police sentiment.

“This is what cops every day in America face,” Smith told Fox News Digital. “Posts like these do nothing but put a target on the backs of law enforcement officers.”

The incident unfolded last Friday when Hinton Jr. allegedly struck Deputy Larry Henderson with a vehicle while he was directing traffic near a University of Cincinnati graduation ceremony. Henderson, a retired Hamilton County deputy with over three decades of service, died from his injuries.

Authorities say the attack happened just one day after police fatally shot Hinton’s 18-year-old son, Ryan, during a pursuit of a stolen vehicle. Police say Ryan was armed and hiding behind a dumpster when he was shot after emerging during the chase.

Despite the seriousness of the charges, two GoFundMe pages have collectively raised over $12,000—one for Hinton Jr.’s legal defense, and the other for Ryan’s funeral and what organizers claim is a broader fight against “police brutality.”

The backlash was swift.

“Rodney Hinton Jr. intentionally murdered a retired deputy who was working special duty at a graduation just because he was a police officer,” said Ohio Fraternal Order of Police President Jay McDonald. “His heinous and cowardly act shouldn’t be rewarded and celebrated like it is right now on GoFundMe.”

GoFundMe did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the campaigns remain online as of this writing.

Hinton Jr., who was arraigned on aggravated murder charges, reportedly made taunting comments toward deputies during the proceedings, further fueling outrage among law enforcement advocates. His son Ryan’s death is currently under investigation, with both Cincinnati police and the family’s attorneys reviewing bodycam footage.

That footage, shown to the family on Friday, reportedly showed Ryan Hinton emerging with what police say was a weapon. His grandfather, Rodney Hinton Sr., said at a Monday press conference that both the officer and his grandson appeared “scared” in the video.

“I didn’t see the police there trying to kill, kill, kill,” he said. “All I seen is two people who made a mistake.”

Nonetheless, supporters of the family have leaned into a narrative that frames law enforcement as aggressors, using the fundraisers to call for legal action against the police. Critics argue this distortion of facts only inflames tensions and undermines public safety.

Deputy Larry Henderson’s career spanned more than 33 years, during which he served on the SWAT team, the FBI task force, and trained hundreds of deputies. He was celebrated as a selfless public servant who mentored others and elevated the department’s professionalism.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine ordered flags lowered in Henderson’s honor on Sunday, and Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey praised him as a “trainer, mentor, and hero.”

“This man dedicated his life to protecting the public and training future generations of law enforcement. His death deserves condemnation, not celebration,” said Sgt. Brantner Smith.

With GoFundMe under increasing scrutiny, many are calling for reforms to prevent fundraising platforms from being used to support individuals accused of violent crimes—especially those involving targeted attacks on police.