The Department of Justice has begun a criminal investigation into activist Renee Nicole Good’s widow to determine whether she potentially obstructed a federal agent right before the fatal shooting of her wife during an altercation in Minneapolis.
The federal probe into Rebecca Good will seek to uncover her possible relations with activist groups, as well as her actions leading up to the moment Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Johnathan Ross opened fire on Jan. 7, according to sources who spoke with NBC News.
Rebecca Good’s lawyer, Antonio Romannucci, stated that “there has been no contact from the FBI or federal officials indicating Becca Good is the subject of an investigation.”
The death of Renee Good has sparked outrage across cities, leading to several protests within the Minneapolis and St. Paul regions, with calls to hold immigration officers accountable.
Most recently, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that a criminal Civil Rights Division investigation into Officer Ross’s actions will not take place due to there currently being “no basis.”
Additionally, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has defended Agent Ross’s actions, deeming them an act of self-defense.
“This vehicle was used to hit this officer,” Noem said during a conference a day after the incident. “It was used as a weapon, and the officer feels as though his life was in jeopardy. It was used to perpetuate a violent act, and this officer took action to protect himself and to protect his fellow law enforcement officers.” Noem added.
The Department of Justice has also begun an investigation into Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, on suspicion of a conspiracy to impede federal immigration officials through their public statements.
Gov. Walz criticized the Justice Department’s recent investigations, stating, “The only person not being investigated for the shooting of Renee Good is the federal agent who shot her.”
