Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis on Wednesday. The incident has led to conflicting accounts regarding the circumstances of the shooting, federal restrictions on a state-level investigation, and allegations that federal agents obstructed emergency medical personnel. Good was identified as a mother of three, a prize-winning poet, and a hobby guitarist.
The Incident
The shooting occurred in Minneapolis on Wednesday, near the intersection of 34th Street and Portland Avenue. Video recordings from the event show U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents approaching a vehicle in the street, instructing the driver to exit. An agent was observed attempting to open the driver's side door. As the vehicle began to move, an agent pointed a firearm at the driver, and multiple shots were reportedly heard. The car then continued moving before colliding with the side of the street.
Conflicting Accounts and Investigation
Following the shooting, differing accounts of the incident's circumstances emerged. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the ICE agent fired multiple shots because Good was reportedly attempting to run over the officer with her vehicle. Conversely, local officials indicated that Good posed no immediate danger.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has restricted access for Minnesota state officials to the ongoing investigation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz expressed concerns about the impartiality of a federal investigation, alleging that the federal administration was impeding state involvement. Vice President JD Vance stated that the investigation falls under federal jurisdiction, arguing that local official involvement would be contrary to established precedent.
Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) initially agreed to a joint investigation with the FBI. However, the BCA subsequently reported that the FBI reversed its decision, denying state officials access to critical case materials and evidence. Citing this lack of access, BCA Superintendent Drew Evans announced the bureau's withdrawal from the investigation.
Allegations Regarding Medical Aid
Witnesses at the scene reported that ICE agents blocked emergency medical personnel from reaching Renee Nicole Good after the shooting. Emily Heller, a nearby resident and witness, recorded the scene and stated that agents prevented individuals from approaching Good's vehicle. Video footage reportedly shows a person identifying as a physician being denied access to check Good's pulse, with agents stating, "We have our own medics." No evidence of medical support assigned to ICE or Homeland Security personnel at the scene has been reported.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) policy outlines an affirmative duty for federal law enforcement officers to render medical aid, stating, "As soon as practicable following a use of force and the end of any perceived public safety threat, DHS LEOs shall obtain appropriate medical assistance for any subject who has visible or apparent injuries, complains of being injured, or requests medical attention." This may include rendering first aid, requesting emergency medical services, or arranging transportation. DHS has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
Hennepin EMS personnel were the first responders. Heller estimated it took 15 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, partly attributing the delay to agents' vehicles blocking the street. Upon arrival, EMS personnel reportedly could not drive the ambulance through due to blockages, proceeding on foot. They examined Good and then transported her to a street corner to reach the ambulance. A spokesperson for Hennepin County Medical Center stated that the response is under investigation and did not confirm Heller’s account.
Victim's Background
Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen, was a mother of three. She had two teenage children from her first marriage and a six-year-old son with her second husband, Tim Macklin, who passed away in 2023. She was also married to Rebecca Good, with whom she had relocated to Minneapolis from Kansas City the previous year. Originally from Colorado Springs, Good recently moved to Minneapolis.
Good was identified as a prize-winning poet and a hobby guitarist. She studied creative writing at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, graduating with an English degree in 2020. In the same year, she received an undergraduate prize from the Academy of American Poets for her work, "On Learning to Dissect Fetal Pigs." Her private Instagram account described her as a "poet and writer and wife and mom." Her first husband stated that Good was not an activist and was a devoted Christian. Her prior employment included roles as a dental assistant and at a credit union, with a recent focus on being a stay-at-home mother.
City leaders described Good as a legal observer of ICE activities. The Trump administration characterized her as a "domestic terrorist." Good's mother, Donna Ganger, described her as compassionate, while her father, Tim Ganger, commented on her life being both "good and difficult."
Public Response and Memorials
Good's death resulted in protests across the country. In Minneapolis, demonstrations took place, including outside a federal building where protesters encountered armed officers. These protests were largely peaceful. Memorials, including flowers, candles, and messages, were established in Minneapolis, including at the crash site. A fundraiser initiated for Good's family exceeded its initial $50,000 target, raising over $1.4 million within a day. Old Dominion University President Brian Hemphill issued a statement following her death, referencing the prevalence of "fear and violence."