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An 18-year-old boy who reported his father to the FBI after discovering his father and friends had plans to—and eventually did—storm the United States Capitol on January 6 in support of President Donald Trump, began raising funds for both his safety and education.
After being threatened by his father, he feared he would be kicked out of both his house and school when his father was arrested.
Guy Jackson Reffitt, son of insurrectionist Guy W. Reffitt, contacted the FBI weeks before the now-infamous Capitol riot.
"He would always tell me that he's going to do something big," Reffitt—who goes by Jackson—told The New York Times. "I assumed he was going to do something big, and I didn't know what."
“I put my emotions behind me to do what I thought was right,” said Jackson Reffitt, who weeks before the Capitol si… https://t.co/F3kUfeuhv9— The New York Times (@The New York Times) 1611531604.0
Yes I'm the kid on cnn I'm sorry I probably won't get around to responding to everyone. My mom and my sisters are a… https://t.co/alYDQ32Rqj— Guy Jackson (@Guy Jackson) 1611370976.0
Jackson's father, Guy, also reportedly threatened to shoot anybody in the family who reported his illegal actions.
"If you turn me in, you're a traitor and you know what happens to traitors... Traitors get shot."
Despite this, Jackson turned in his father again after he was photographed and filmed participating in the riot because it felt like the right thing to do.
After receiving overwhelming support online, he began a GoFundMe page.
I made the GoFundMe because people wanted it, not because I did. I never imagined people would be so selfless. Than… https://t.co/vcgOSyFxtQ— Guy Jackson (@Guy Jackson) 1611542974.0
"Every penny is another course in college or me saving it for years to come," he wrote on the GoFundMe.
"I might be kicked out of my house due to my involvement in my dad's case, so every cent might help me survive."
Reffitt surpassed his initial goal of $100,000 rather quickly.
@jackson_reffitt I was one of the initial donors. I am happy to see how much has been raised for you. Please use th… https://t.co/7ad76MbzY0— Lau Ra (@Lau Ra) 1611682572.0
@jackson_reffitt Please tell us your somewhere safe! We’re sending you all the love in the world. You’re a hero 💙🙏— L (@L) 1611564862.0
@jackson_reffitt You're an amazing kid! And so brave! We have a friend that acted like your dad. Our friend is disa… https://t.co/W3SzEgl8Im— ⛪✝️🇺🇸🇮🇪🏈💚💙🍻⛳ (@⛪✝️🇺🇸🇮🇪🏈💚💙🍻⛳) 1611543843.0
@jackson_reffitt I have a lot of people that have friends that become family. If you need that going forward this s… https://t.co/8lXekZMPnR— Boaty McBoatface 🍊❄️😎⚓️🌌 (@Boaty McBoatface 🍊❄️😎⚓️🌌) 1611543695.0
In an interview with Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, Reffitt said his "moral compass" lead him to turn in his father, who he believes is being manipulated by far-right propaganda.
He has "no regrets" and "would do it again."
@jackson_reffitt Kid, rest assured you have people you can depend on if you ever need help. Don't be afraid to reach out.— ✡️🌈👩🌾- Webdev / Author (@✡️🌈👩🌾- Webdev / Author) 1611611854.0
@jackson_reffitt You are a good man and you deserve it. It takes a lot of strength to do what you did.— Marie Meyers (@Marie Meyers) 1611546517.0
@jackson_reffitt You are a brave young man! It must have been very difficult to go through this. Good luck to you!— Leanna Mattea (@Leanna Mattea) 1611605887.0
@jackson_reffitt You're really brave. Keep on loving your family. Keep safe! Thank you Guy.— jane, not plain (@jane, not plain) 1611543075.0
@jackson_reffitt You're a great patriot and a hero. Thank you for your courage.— April Choate (@April Choate) 1611553279.0
Reffitt's GoFundMe has now raised over $133,000.
With over 14,000 followers on Twitter, he is also using his platform to debunk conspiracy theories and extremist ideas.
I cannot thank everyone enough, I promise to use this money for my education and my future. I also promise to keep… https://t.co/BlZAcphlHO— Guy Jackson (@Guy Jackson) 1611418692.0
Ironically, Reffitt's major is political science.
If you would like to make a donation, the GoFundMe can be found here.