During a recent interview with the New York Times, President Donald Trump fiercely defended the actions of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official involved in a fatal shooting in Minneapolis. The incident, which resulted in the death of 37-year-old Renee Good, has sparked significant controversy and debate over the circumstances leading to her death.

In the interview, Trump maintained that Good’s conduct was reckless, stating, “She behaved horribly.” He further claimed that she intentionally ran over the ICE agent, emphasizing, “She didn’t try to run him over. She ran him over.” His comments underscore his firm stance on the matter, despite ongoing discussions about the clarity of the incident.

The Times, probing the clarity of the available video footage, questioned whether it was too ambiguous to support such a definitive conclusion. However, Trump was adamant, urging the reporters to review the video once more. “I’ll play the tape for you right now,” he asserted, signaling his determination to substantiate his position.

To back up the President’s assertions, Natalie Harp, one of his closest aides, promptly provided the video on a laptop for the reporters present in the Oval Office. This move was aimed at reinforcing Trump’s perspective and addressing any uncertainties surrounding the incident.

‘I’ll play the tape for you right now,’ he told the four reporters sitting with him in the Oval Office. 

Natalie Harp, one of Trump’s closest aides, quickly brought the clip up on a laptop to demonstrate his point to the reporters. 

On the screen appeared a grainy video – which has spread like viral wildfire online – showing the burgundy Honda Pilot jerking forward into an ICE agent standing near the hood before the official opened fire on Good, ultimately killing her. 

‘That was a vicious situation that took place,’ Trump remarked.

‘She behaved horribly,’ Trump said of Renee Good, the woman who was shot and killed by ICE. ‘And then she ran him over. She didn’t try to run him over. She ran him over’

ICE agent who fatally woman in Minneapolis. Grab taken from video

Police tape surrounds a vehicle suspected to be involved in a shooting by an ICE agent during federal law enforcement operations on January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to federal officials, the agent, ‘fearing for his life’ killed a woman during a confrontation in south Minneapolis.

The president noted the entire situation was unfortunate. 

‘I want to see nobody get shot,’ he said. ‘I want to see nobody screaming and trying to run over policemen either.’

As the Times repeatedly argued that the tape was too unclear to clearly state which party was at fault, the president didn’t appear dissuaded. 

‘It’s a terrible scene,’ the president said after watching the video. ‘I think it’s horrible to watch. No, I hate to see it.’

The same day, the president put out a statement noting the deceased driver appeared to be at fault for the tragedy. 

‘The woman driving the car was very disorderly, obstructing and resisting, who then violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer, who seems to have shot her in self defense,’ Trump wrote on Truth Social. 

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said Good’s actions amount to ‘domestic terrorism’ after she ‘weaponized’ her car against the agent.

Though Trump’s border czar Tom Homan had a more measured response, noting he will wait until an investigation is concluded to weigh in. 

Law enforcement stands guard after the shooting

People demonstrate against ICE in Minneapolis. Activists have taken to the streets and pelted law enforcement with snowballs

‘Let the investigation play out,’ Homan told CBS News, adding, ‘hold people accountable based on the investigation.’

Since the horrific incident, protests have engulfed Minneapolis, and law enforcement has been chased off and pelted with snowballs by activists. 

The president has not yet addressed the protests, though a press conference is scheduled for Thursday. Vice President JD Vance, who has spoken out in defense of the ICE agent online, will take the podium alongside Karoline Leavitt.