South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and CNN's Jake Tapper clashed after Noem called the Minneapolis shooting that killed Renee Nicole Good an act of "domestic terrorism," saying the woman's vehicle had been "weaponized." Tapper challenged Noem's certainty, noting formal investigations had not concluded and that available video has been interpreted in different ways. Noem said she had spoken with officers on the ground and that the federal government was deploying additional officers to Minnesota while authorities continue their inquiry.
Noem and Tapper Clash Over Minneapolis ICE Shooting After Video, Investigation Remain Inconclusive
Federal law enforcement is investigating a fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem on Sunday traded sharp words with CNN anchor Jake Tapper after publicly characterizing a Minneapolis incident — in which an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good — as an act of "domestic terrorism." Noem said Good had "weaponized her vehicle" and argued the officer acted in self-defense; Tapper pressed her for evidence, noting that formal inquiries had not yet concluded.
Key Exchange
At a news conference, Noem defended her language and said she had spoken with officers and supervisors on the ground and therefore believed she could convey the facts quickly. "Everything that I've said has been proven to be factual and the truth," she told reporters.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has accused the shooting victim of taking part in "domestic terrorism."
"The facts of the situation are that the vehicle was weaponized, and it attacked the law enforcement officer. He defended himself, and he defended those individuals around him," Noem said, adding that an investigation into motive was ongoing.
Tapper challenged Noem's certainty, pointing out that multiple interpretations of the widely viewed video exist and that a formal investigation is the appropriate mechanism to establish the timeline and intent. "How can you assert for a fact within hours before any investigation this is what happened?" he asked.
Video, Earlier Encounters and Disputed Context
The pair disputed what footage shows. Tapper said broadcast video indicates the woman was present at multiple locations and that the final moments could be interpreted as her attempting to flee; Noem said there is additional footage from earlier encounters that provides broader context and has not been publicly aired.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the actions of the ICE officer during the shooting while appearing on CNN.
Federal Response
Noem also said the federal government is deploying additional federal officers to Minnesota following the shooting. Authorities have said an official investigation into the circumstances, including possible motives, is underway.
What Remains Unclear
- Investigators have not publicly concluded whether the officer's actions were justified or whether the woman's vehicle was intentionally used as a weapon.
- Footage released so far has prompted differing interpretations; officials have indicated more evidence and witness statements are being reviewed.
- The identity of the deceased, Renee Nicole Good, has been reported publicly; questions remain about her prior interactions with law enforcement that morning.
The exchange highlighted tensions between political leaders and media over early characterizations of volatile incidents, and underscored the role of ongoing investigations in establishing facts before definitive public judgments are made.
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