JD Vance criticized a shooting victim in a shocking tirade, alleging that she was “brainwashed” and “radicalized,” and held her responsible for her own demise. The US Vice President expressed a desire to de-escalate tensions following the tragic incident involving Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. However, during a sudden press briefing at the White House, he accused the 37-year-old mother of three of intentionally trying to hit the shooter, whom he claimed acted in self-defense, portraying her death as a “self-inflicted tragedy.”
This development follows assertions by Donald Trump that the shooter had been wounded in the altercation and had received medical treatment, despite video evidence showing him walking around the crime scene before departing in a vehicle. When questioned about potentially biasing an ongoing inquiry, Trump dismissed any concerns.
Despite conflicting accounts from sources outside the Trump administration, the Vice President insisted on his version of events, suggesting that Good was attempting to drive away from the agent when he fired his weapon. He further alleged, without substantiation, that Good was associated with a “radical left network” aiming to obstruct ICE operations targeting noncitizen deportations.
Accusing Good of being a “victim of left-wing ideology,” the Vice President claimed she had been “brainwashed” and “radicalized,” despite reports indicating she was simply running errands and had no prior activist background. He questioned the rationality of a mother endangering herself by confronting ICE officers enforcing the law, implying a level of indoctrination.
In response to the discrepancy between his narrative and the video evidence, the Vice President maintained that multiple camera angles affirmed his assertion that Good’s car deliberately struck the agent. He also criticized the media for neglecting to mention previous incidents where the agent had been hit by vehicles, a claim that cannot be independently verified.
Amidst the controversy, the Vice President defended the agent’s actions, asserting that Good accelerated her vehicle toward him after being shot, prompting the agent to fire multiple rounds as her car passed by. He emphasized that the portrayal of Good as an innocent victim was unfounded and praised the shooter for his actions.
When pressed about the alleged network influencing Good, the Vice President indicated it was a matter requiring investigation. Additionally, the Homeland Security Secretary confirmed that local law enforcement would not participate in the shooting inquiry, stating that Minnesota authorities lacked jurisdiction, with the FBI, under Trump appointee Kash Patel, leading the investigation.