WASHINGTON, January 12 — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended an ICE officer’s fatal shooting of a woman in Minneapolis during a contentious CNN interview, refusing to retract her characterization of the incident as an act of “domestic terrorism.” Secretary Noem clashed with host Jake Tapper over the facts of the encounter that led to the death of Renee Nicole Good.
Who did Secretary Noem clash with on CNN?
Secretary Kristi Noem faced pointed questioning from CNN’s Jake Tapper on State of the Union. Tapper challenged Noem’s initial accounts of the shooting, where she quickly labeled the deceased, Renee Nicole Good, a “domestic terrorist” and publicly supported ICE officer Jonathan Ross. Noem asserted her statements were factual and that the public deserved the truth.
What facts are in dispute about the ICE shooting?
The conflict centers on the intent behind Good’s actions. Noem stated Good “attacked” officers and attempted to run them over, justifying the shooting as self-defense. Tapper cited video footage, arguing Good may have been trying to flee rather than attack. Body camera footage shows Good’s vehicle striking Officer Ross before he fired three shots as the vehicle drove away.
What does the body camera footage show?
According to the footage described, the sequence unfolded as follows:
- Good’s vehicle was stopped, blocking ICE officers for over three minutes.
- Officer Ross approached the front of Good’s SUV as another officer tried the driver’s door.
- Good’s wife, filming outside, urged her to drive away.
- Good reversed, then accelerated forward, striking Ross and causing his camera to jolt.
- Ross then fired through the windshield and side of the moving vehicle.
Why does Noem call it “domestic terrorism”?
Noem defined the use of a vehicle as a weapon against law enforcement as an act of domestic terrorism. “When there is something that is weaponized to use against the public and law enforcement, that is an act of domestic terrorism,” she told Tapper. She concluded the exchange by stating, “You don’t get to change the facts just because you don’t like them.”
What is the status of the officer and the investigation?
Officer Jonathan Ross was treated at a hospital and released after being “hit by the vehicle.” The FBI has confirmed it is investigating the incident. The shooting has drawn widespread criticism online, but senior Trump administration figures, including Vice President JD Vance, have publicly defended Ross’s actions.
FAQs:
Q: What was Secretary Noem’s main defense of the ICE officer?
A: Noem argued the officer acted in self-defense during a rapidly unfolding situation where the vehicle was “weaponized” against him, leaving him little choice under his training.
Q: Is there an official investigation into the shooting?
A: Yes. The FBI is investigating the fatal incident, as confirmed by the agency.
