The recent killing of a US citizen by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis has ignited fierce controversy, becoming what many are calling a five-alarm fire for the Trump administration. In an effort to mitigate the backlash, the White House has unleashed a torrent of untruths, half-truths, smears, and innuendo, which have been amplified by loyal supporters across social media and cable television.
Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic House minority leader, publicly condemned Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, labeling her a “stone cold liar.” This rebuke came in response to Noem’s unsubstantiated claims portraying the victim, Renee Nicole Good—a 37-year-old mother of three and an award-winning poet—as a “domestic terrorist.” Noem alleged that Good had been “stalking and impeding” Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers before allegedly attempting to use her car as a weapon against the agent who ultimately took her life.
Jacob Frey, the Democratic mayor of Minneapolis, expressed his outrage, denouncing as “bullshit” the immediate attempt by Homeland Security officials to characterize the officer's actions as self-defense. With video evidence of the incident being unclear, Frey emphasized that a thorough investigation was still pending. Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota echoed this sentiment during a press conference, stating, “People in positions of power have already passed judgment, from the president to the vice-president, to Kristi Noem … they have stood and told you things that are verifiably false, verifiably inaccurate.”
The victim-blaming narrative began almost immediately following the announcement of Good’s death. Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, claimed on social media that “one of these violent rioters weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers in an attempt to kill them – an act of domestic terrorism.” However, video evidence contradicts her assertion, showing no injuries to multiple ICE officers as claimed.
Former President Donald Trump echoed these claims in an inflammatory post on his Truth Social platform, where he suggested that Good “didn’t try to run him over, she ran him over.” Vice President JD Vance joined the fray, asserting during a White House press briefing that Good was brainwashed by left-wing ideology, framing her actions as “classic terrorism.”
Not only politicians but also right-wing media figures have engaged in character attacks against Good. Fox News host Jesse Watters criticized Good’s personal life, highlighting details such as her use of pronouns and her family background. Such smears have drawn significant media attention, further complicating the narrative surrounding her tragic death.
The Guardian investigated several key allegations made by administration officials regarding the incident:
Claim: Good was a violent rioter who attempted to kill law enforcement.Political commentator Andrew Egger criticized the administration's narrative as “pure invention,” questioning the moral integrity of those perpetuating these claims. Governor Walz assured the public that the full truth surrounding the incident and Good’s character would eventually emerge, stating, “Minnesotans will tell her life story.”
As this tragic story unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding law enforcement interactions and the urgent need for transparency in investigations involving the use of deadly force. The narrative surrounding Renee Nicole Good’s death continues to be shaped by political discourse, social media, and the quest for truth.