Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) has declared a “Day of Unity” in Minnesota on Friday to remember Renee Good, the woman fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Minneapolis.
Walz’s announcement came just after he authorized the National Guard to assist law enforcement if needed, as demonstrators took to the streets in the Twin Cities to protest the shooting. Walz has emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations in his rhetoric, as he toes the line between encouraging protesters to make their voices heard and keeping peace and order in the state.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE ICE SHOOTING IN MINNESOTA THAT LEFT ONE WOMAN DEAD
“You witnessed in Minnesota yesterday a tragedy, the death of Renee Good on the streets at the hands of a federal agent. You also witnessed last night a beautiful vigil, a peaceful vigil, people expressing their constitutional and First Amendment rights in a peaceful manner. And for that I say thank you,” Walz said on Thursday evening.
Walz said he has been “very clear” that he is asking for state and local authorities to conduct the investigation into the shooting and for ICE to “pull back” its officer surge in the state. He asked Minnesotans to “continue to do this peacefully.”
“I would ask for all of us to continue to do this peacefully, continue to raise our voices, but do so in a manner that brings about that sense of community,” Walz said.
The governor, who has consistently been in the news cycle due to the Minnesota fraud investigation that led to him forfeiting his reelection bid, declared Friday a “Day of Unity” for Good. He asked people in the state to participate in acts of service and hold a moment of silence at 10 a.m. in her honor.
“Renee Nicole Good was a loving mother, partner, daughter, and neighbor whose life was defined by compassion, creativity, and care for others,” Walz said.
“I invite all Minnesotans and Americans to join me in a day of unity, and honoring her with a moment of silence and participating in acts of service,” Walz added.
The narrative has been disputed by Trump administration officials, such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Vice President JD Vance, who have said Good tried to run over the ICE officer with her car before he shot at her in an act of self-defense.
Noem said the particular ICE officer who fatally shot Good had “previously been dragged by an anti-ICE rider who had rammed him with a car” in June.
MINNESOTA ICE SHOOTING IGNITES DEBATES OVER FEDERAL OFFICER IMMUNITY
“I’m not happy that this woman lost her life,” Vance said about Good. “I’m not happy that this woman was there at a protest violating the law by interfering with the law enforcement action.”
Walz said that the Minnesota National Guard remains ready in case its assistance is needed “to help keep the peace, ensure public safety, and allow for peaceful demonstrations.”