In the wake of a fatal shooting in Minnesota involving an ICE agent and a local woman, former President Trump unexpectedly presented video footage of the incident to a group of New York Times reporters. The impromptu viewing occurred during an extensive interview held shortly after news of the shooting broke, revealing a stark and immediate response to a rapidly unfolding crisis.
The incident centered on Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent as federal authorities were conducting operations related to a large-scale fraud investigation. This investigation has uncovered alleged money laundering schemes operating through various social programs, leading to dozens of arrests, primarily within the state’s Somali community since 2022.
During the two-hour interview, which also touched on topics like Venezuela and Greenland, Trump repeatedly emphasized his desire to see no one harmed, but also expressed concern over threats to law enforcement. He stated, “I want to see nobody get shot. I want to see nobody screaming and trying to run over policemen either.”
According to officials, Good was inside a vehicle when agents attempted to approach her. She allegedly refused to comply with their orders and instead attempted to strike them with her car. Department of Homeland Security officials characterized the act as a potential “act of domestic terrorism” targeting federal officers.
Trump, visibly affected by the footage, described the situation as “vicious” and insisted Good “behaved horribly.” He repeatedly stated she didn’t simply *try* to run over the officer, but actively *did* run him over, emphasizing the severity of her actions.
The shooting ignited immediate and intense reactions. Democratic lawmakers and critics of the former administration condemned the shooting, labeling it a “murder,” while protests erupted in Minnesota. The former president, however, largely sidestepped direct questions about the operation itself.
Instead, Trump focused his criticism on the current administration’s immigration policies, arguing they had created a crisis that contributed to the circumstances surrounding the shooting. He maintained the scene was “terrible” and “horrible to watch,” expressing his dislike for such events.
Following the incident, a statement released through the former president’s social media platform described Good as “disorderly, obstructing and resisting” and accused her of “violently, willfully, and viciously” running over the ICE officer, who is now recovering in the hospital. The post framed the shooting as an act of self-defense.
The White House issued a statement of support for ICE and all law enforcement officers, acknowledging the risks they face in protecting communities. This support came amidst reports indicating a significant surge in assaults against ICE officers.
Data released by the Department of Homeland Security revealed a staggering increase in attacks against ICE agents – a more than 1,150% rise compared to the previous year. The report documented 238 assaults between January and November, a dramatic increase from the 19 reported during the same period the year prior.
The incident continues to be investigated, leaving a community grappling with grief, anger, and questions about the use of force and the escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement.
