JD Vance criticized a victim of a shooting in a shocking tirade, accusing her of being “brainwashed” and “radicalized” and holding her responsible for her own demise. The US Vice President expressed a desire to calm the situation following the tragic incident involving Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. However, during a sudden press conference at the White House, he alleged that the 37-year-old mother intentionally tried to run over the shooter, who he claimed acted in self-defense, deeming her death a “tragedy of her own making.”
This statement follows Donald Trump’s assertion that the shooter had sustained injuries in the altercation and had received medical treatment, despite video evidence showing him walking around the crime scene before driving off. When questioned about potentially prejudicing the ongoing inquiry, Trump dismissed concerns.
Vance asserted his version of events, contradicting opinions outside the Trump administration, despite video footage suggesting Good was attempting to drive away from the agent when he opened fire. Without substantiated proof, he claimed Good was linked to a “radical left network” aiming to impede ICE activities on a deportation mission.
He further alleged that Good had been influenced by a “left-wing ideology,” labeling her as “brainwashed” and “radicalized.” However, local sources indicated that she was simply on her way home after dropping off her child at school, with her ex-husband stating she had no history of activism.
In response to inquiries challenging his conclusions against video evidence, Vance maintained his stance, emphasizing a specific angle that supported his narrative. He criticized the media for overlooking previous instances where the agent had been hit by cars, a claim impossible to verify as the agent remained unnamed.
Vance’s statement that Good accelerated towards the agent contradicted the footage showing her car rapidly speeding after being shot in the head. Despite this, he continued to defend the shooter, claiming the woman was not innocent and praising the alleged shooter for his actions.
When asked about the alleged network that “brainwashed” Good, Vance evaded a direct answer, stating it was a matter to be investigated. The Homeland Security Secretary confirmed that local authorities would not participate in the shooting investigation, asserting that the FBI, under the direction of Trump appointee Kash Patel, would lead the inquiry.