Widow of ICE Shooting Victim Speaks of 'Radical Kindness' at Memorial Event
Becca Good, the widow of Renee Good who was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, made her first public appearance since the tragedy at a memorial event in Minneapolis. The gathering at Powderhorn Park on February 7 drew a large crowd commemorating Renee Good one month after her death, according to reports from the New York Times.
A Statement Delivered Through a Rabbi
Becca Good chose not to address the crowd directly but instead provided a written statement that was read aloud by Rabbi Arielle Lekach-Rosenberg. The rabbi explained the significance of the moment, stating that Becca had been grieving alone for weeks and this represented her opportunity to share words with the community.
The statement began with gratitude toward Minneapolis residents: 'Minneapolis has shown me that even in the middle of grief and fear, people still show up for each other.' Becca specifically thanked the community for organizing food and transportation, ensuring her children reached school, checking on neighbors, and standing together in cold weather.
Remembering Renee Good's Life and Legacy
Renee Good was a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7. The incident occurred during a protest when she reportedly ignored demands to exit her vehicle, reversed her car, and attempted to drive away. Becca's statement highlighted her partner's character, describing Renee as someone who was 'always helping out, making things a little better for others.'
'Seeing the world now celebrate the parts of her that I've always known — the kindness, the humor, the warmth — reminds me of her spirit,' Becca noted in her statement. She emphasized their shared philosophy of living each day as they wanted the world to be, stating she continues this practice while caring for their son.
The Concept of Radical Kindness
Becca Good concluded her statement with a powerful reflection on their family values: 'Renee and I chose kindness. We believed that every life deserves the same care, treatment, and dignity, no matter who they are or what they look like.' She added, 'That shouldn't be radical. If it is, then I want Renee and our family to be known for how we practiced radical kindness every day.'
Additional Family Tributes and Community Context
Annie Granger, Renee's sister, also spoke at the event, remembering her sibling's humor and offering what she believed would be Renee's advice: to care for oneself and neighbors, receive care from others, rest, eat, play, and show up for one another.
Becca's statement also referenced broader community violence, mentioning Alex Pretti who was fatally shot by a federal agent on January 24. She noted that while people know Renee's and Alex's names, many others in the city are being harmed whose families suffer similarly.
Controversy Surrounding the Shooting
Since Renee Good's death, claims have emerged from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, former President Donald Trump, and other officials suggesting she had a criminal history and committed 'domestic terrorism' by allegedly attempting to hit agent Ross with her vehicle. Her family has denied these allegations, and public records show no criminal history beyond a minor traffic infraction.
Medical Response and Aftermath Details
According to a Minneapolis Fire Department report obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune, paramedics arrived at the scene at 9:42 AM on January 7 to find Renee Good unresponsive in her Honda Pilot with blood on her face and torso. She was not breathing and had an inconsistent pulse.
First responders documented four gunshot wounds: two in her chest, one on her left forearm, and one on the left side of her head. Despite attempts to revive her at the scene, in an ambulance, and at a nearby hospital, CPR was discontinued at 10:30 AM.
Agent Jonathan Ross reportedly suffered internal bleeding in his torso after allegedly being struck by Good's vehicle, though the exact extent of his injuries remains unclear as internal bleeding can range from mild bruising to serious trauma.
