Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem accused the victim of “domestic terrorism”
A US immigration officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis on Wednesday, prompting protests and a tense standoff between Democrat-run Minnesota and the White House.
The incident occurred at East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, where law enforcement officials had previously clashed with protesters.
Video from the scene shows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents approaching a dark SUV stopped in the middle of a snowy road. As an agent tries to open the door, the driver puts her vehicle in reverse and attempts to drive away. The agent pulls out a handgun and fires three shots, after which the vehicle drives off and crashes into two other cars parked along the side of the road.
The victim was later identified by her family as 37-year-old Renee Good.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agents, saying Good was “using a vehicle to try to kill an officer and his colleagues.”
“It was an act of domestic terrorism. An officer of ours acted quickly and defensively, shooting to protect himself and the people around him,” she said.
Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said officers “were conducting targeted operations” when groups of citizens began trying to block ICE vehicles. She said Good attempted “to run over” agents.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey rejected the DHS claim that the shooting was justified. “Having seen the video myself, I want to tell everybody directly that is bulls**t,” he said during a news conference. He added that the agent was “recklessly using (his) power.”
“To ICE: get the f**k out of Minneapolis,” Frey said. “We do not want you here. Your stated reason for being in this city is to create some kind of safety, and you are doing exactly the opposite.”
The shooting sparked protests in Minneapolis. Governor Tim Walz called for calm and restraint, adding that he would deploy the Minnesota National Guard in case of riots. He also urged federal agents not to intervene further.
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