Investigation into Shooting of Renee Nicole Goode
The Justice Department has reportedly initiated a criminal investigation to determine if Rebecca Goode, the widow of Renee Nicole Goode, may have interfered with ICE agents shortly before the confrontation that led to Renee’s death in Minneapolis.
This federal inquiry will focus on Rebecca’s potential connections to activist groups and her actions on January 7, the day when veteran ICE agent Jonathan Ross shot Renee. Sources familiar with the situation shared these details.
Rebecca’s attorney, Antonio Ramanucci, stated that there has been no communication from the FBI or federal authorities suggesting that she is the subject of an investigation.
The Trump administration has claimed that Ross had no alternative but to shoot, alleging that the 37-year-old mother used her SUV as a weapon against law enforcement and struck Renee.
Graphic footage captured during the incident shows Renee attempting to escape from ICE officers after allegedly blocking a roadway and hindering police enforcement.
At the time, Renee was outside the vehicle while Rebecca was shouting at Ross and other officers. Despite the situation, Renee remained in the driver’s seat of their Honda Pilot, which was positioned perpendicular to the road.
When instructed to exit the vehicle, Rebecca urged Renee to “drive, baby, drive” before the situation escalated dramatically. Police reported that Rebecca attacked Ross, firing several shots into the windshield and open window of the car, as recorded on a cell phone video.
Following the shooting, a video revealed Rebecca in tears, saying, “It’s my fault.”
Authorities reported that Renee sustained four gunshot wounds in the chest, arm, and head, as outlined in a Minneapolis Fire Department incident report.
The Department of Homeland Security has stated that the officer acted in self-defense and has characterized Renee as a “domestic terrorist.”
Renee’s death ignited protests and violent confrontations between activists and immigration officials in Minneapolis, leading the DHS to deploy additional ICE agents to manage the unrest.
The Justice Department is also investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, examining whether they conspired to impede federal immigration officials.
This inquiry seems to have arisen from recent statements made by Walz and Frey, where they criticized the approximately 3,000 federal law enforcement officers dispatched to the Minneapolis area.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche mentioned that when a governor or mayor threatens federal employees or encourages citizens to report the presence of ICE agents, it can verge on criminal activity.
