Key Takeaways:
- A mobile-phone video recorded by a federal immigration agent captures the scene leading up to the shooting and killing of a woman in Minneapolis.
- The video shows the agent, Jonathan Ross, approaching the woman’s vehicle and firing shots after she drives forward.
- The shooting has sparked protests and calls for an independent investigation, with civil-rights groups demanding accountability for aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
- The Department of Homeland Security has defended the agent’s actions, stating that he "followed his training" and "acted in defense of his life".
- The incident has highlighted bitter divisions within the US over President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts and the conduct of federal agents.
Introduction to the Incident
The recent shooting of a woman in Minneapolis by a federal immigration agent has sparked widespread controversy and debate. A 47-second video recorded by the agent, Jonathan Ross, captures the moments leading up to the shooting and immediately after. The video, obtained by Alpha News and confirmed as authentic by the Department of Homeland Security, shows Ross approaching the woman’s vehicle, a burgundy SUV, which was blocking traffic. The driver, Renee Nicole Good, can be seen with her window down, while her wife, Rebecca Good, confronts Ross with her own phone.
The Shooting and its Aftermath
The video shows Ross circling the vehicle, his phone raised, as Renee Good says, "That’s fine dude. I’m not mad at you." However, the agent does not respond, and instead, fires shots in quick succession after Good drives forward. A male voice can be heard saying "f—ing bitch" as the vehicle crashes into a parked car. The video ends with the sounds of the crash and the aftermath of the shooting. Other videos of the incident have been released, showing Good steering the car’s front wheels away from Ross as she drives forward, while he fires three shots while jumping backward from the front of the car.
Reactions to the Shooting
The shooting has sparked protests in Minneapolis and elsewhere, with civil-rights groups demanding an independent investigation into the incident. Minnesota officials have called the shooting unjustified, while the Department of Homeland Security has defended Ross’s actions, stating that he "followed his training" and "acted in defense of his life". Vice President JD Vance has also weighed in, calling news coverage of the incident "shameless press propaganda". The incident has highlighted bitter divisions within the US over President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts and the conduct of federal agents.
Investigation and Controversy
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with Minnesota authorities opening their own criminal investigation into the incident. However, the FBI has reportedly refused to cooperate with state investigators, leading to further controversy and calls for accountability. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that Ross was treated for injuries at a local hospital and released, but it is unclear whether he made any contact with the car during the incident. The shooting has also sparked debate over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability from federal agents.
The Victim and her Legacy
Renee Good’s wife, Rebecca, has spoken out about the incident, describing her as a kind and compassionate person who "sparkled" with kindness. Rebecca has called for an independent investigation into the shooting, stating that the couple had stopped to support their neighbors on the day of the incident. She has also thanked people across America and the world who have reached out in support, saying that Renee’s legacy will live on through their son and the countless lives she touched. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief and outrage, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from federal agents.
Similar Incidents and the Broader Context
The shooting in Minneapolis is not an isolated incident, with similar incidents occurring across the US. In Portland, Oregon, a US Border Patrol agent shot and wounded a man and woman in their car after an attempted vehicle stop. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that the driver "weaponised" the car in an effort to run over the agent, who fired in self-defence. However, the incident has sparked further controversy and debate over aggressive immigration enforcement tactics and the conduct of federal agents. The broader context of the incident highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency from federal agents, as well as a re-examination of immigration enforcement policies and practices.
