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Renee Good’s family sues the Trump administration after fatal ICE shooting
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Renee Nicole Good's family has filed two federal civil lawsuits, alleging wrongful death and excessive force.
Their attorney announced the move earlier today (October 1), nine months after Good was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.
One of the lawsuits seeks to hold the US liable under the Federal Tort Claims Act, while a second suit names Jonathan Ross, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer who shot Good, among other officials, including those in the Trump Administration.
Good's brother, Brent Ganger, stated: “I stand here with fierce determination to do what is right for my sister, for her children, and for our country — and that is to insist on accountability.
“What happened to her on January 7 and what has happened to far too many people in the last year is not what America is about. We can and must do better, and the Constitution must be the roadmap back to decency and the rule of law.”
What do the lawsuits allege?
The first suit looks to hold the US liable under the Federal Tort Claims Act following the actions of federal agents.
It alleges wrongful death, assault, battery, false imprisonment, emotional distress, and negligence.
As for the second suit, which names Ross, it also names other federal officials, such as White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Attorney Antonio M. Romanucci is representing Good's family in the suits, and he aims to put an end to the 'deadly force' being used by US officials.
He said that he hopes these lawsuits 'are the beginning of the ultimate legal weapon in uncovering the truth behind this unlawful use of deadly force and the nefarious conspiracies behind the invasion of American cities by American law enforcement officers.'
In the aftermath of Good's death, Trump and Noem, among other figures, defended Ross' actions, claiming that Good provoked the officer and tried to run him over with her car.
Noem said Ross needed hospital treatment following the incident, before being released shortly after.
As per NBC News, a DHS official claimed that he sustained internal bleeding, though they did not reveal more about his health.
Trump changed his tone after the shooting
Initially, both Trump and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem referred to Good as a "domestic terrorist", following claims that she had attempted to run over officers with her vehicle.
However, after further scrutiny and the release of video footage showing a different perspective, Trump’s tone shifted when he directly addressed Good’s father.
During an interview with CBS host Tony Dukoupil, Trump said: "I want to say to the father that I love all our people. They can be on the other side. I would bet you that she under normal circumstances she was a very solid, wonderful person, but her actions were pretty tough."
Despite this softer statement, Trump maintained his original stance that Good’s actions were to blame for the incident.