JD Vance criticized a shooting victim, accusing her of being “brainwashed” and “radicalized” and holding her responsible for her own death. The Vice President of the United States aimed to calm tensions following the tragic incident involving Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. However, during a sudden press conference at the White House, he alleged that the 37-year-old mother intentionally tried to run over the agent, who he claimed acted in self-defense, deeming her death a result of her own actions.
This development followed statements by former President Donald Trump suggesting that the agent had been wounded in the altercation and received medical attention, despite video evidence showing him mobile at the crime scene before departing in a vehicle. When questioned about potentially influencing an ongoing inquiry, the Vice President dismissed concerns.
Despite differing accounts from sources outside the Trump administration, he asserted the accuracy of his version of events. Video footage indicated that Good was attempting to drive away from the agent when he shot at her. Furthermore, he insinuated, without proof, that Good was associated with a “radical left network” obstructing ICE operations targeting noncitizens for deportation.
He further claimed that Good was a victim of left-wing ideology, alleging that she had been indoctrinated and radicalized. Contrary to these claims, local reports suggested she was merely commuting home after dropping off her child at school, with her ex-husband stating she had no activist background.
Questioned on his conclusions, despite video evidence suggesting otherwise, he insisted that multiple angles of the video confirmed his perspective. He also criticized the media for not highlighting instances where the agent had reportedly been struck by vehicles previously, though the agent’s identity remains undisclosed.
The Vice President maintained that Good accelerated her vehicle towards the agent, despite footage showing her accelerating after being shot in the head. He defended the agent’s actions and criticized the portrayal of the incident in the media, asserting that the shooter deserved gratitude.
When asked about the alleged network behind Good’s alleged manipulation, the Vice President indicated it was a matter under investigation. Additionally, it was noted that the FBI, led by Trump appointee Kash Patel, would solely oversee the inquiry into the shooting, as local law enforcement was deemed to lack jurisdiction.