JD Vance criticized a shooting victim, accusing her of being “brainwashed” and “radicalized” and blaming her for her own death. The incident involved the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Despite Vice President’s call to “turn down the temperature,” he asserted at a sudden White House press conference that the victim intentionally tried to run over the shooter, who allegedly acted in self-defense, deeming her demise a “tragedy of her own making.”
The situation escalated further when Donald Trump implied that the shooter had been injured and sought medical treatment, despite video evidence showing him walking around the crime scene before driving away. In response to concerns about influencing an ongoing inquiry, Trump dismissed any worries.
Vance’s narrative, contradicting most outside opinions, suggested that Good was attempting to evade the agent when he shot at her. He further alleged, without proof, that Good was linked to a “radical left network” opposing ICE activities aimed at deporting noncitizens.
Accusing Good of being a “victim of left-wing ideology,” Vance claimed she was “brainwashed” and “radicalized.” However, local sources indicated that she had no history of activism and was merely driving home after dropping off her child at school.
Despite video evidence suggesting a different sequence of events, Vance insisted that Good’s actions were deliberate. He also criticized the media for not highlighting previous instances where the agent had been struck by vehicles, although the agent’s identity remains undisclosed.
Vance’s comments stirred controversy as he maintained that Good accelerated towards the agent, even after being shot. He defended the shooter, claiming the individual deserved gratitude for their actions. When asked about the alleged network behind Good’s beliefs, Vance suggested it was a matter requiring investigation.
The Homeland Security Secretary confirmed that the FBI, under Trump appointee Kash Patel’s leadership, would exclusively handle the inquiry, as local authorities were deemed to lack jurisdiction.