US Homeland Security Secretary Krisi Noem engaged in a fiery on-air confrontation with a CBS journalist after the reporter named the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer involved in the fatal shooting of a protester.
Heated Exchange Over Agent's Identity
During an interview on CBS's 'Face the Nation' on Sunday, host Margaret Brennan discussed the death of Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this month. The 37-year-old mother was shot during an anti-ICE protest on January 7 after allegedly refusing officers' demands.
When Brennan identified the ICE officer as Jonathan Ross, Noem quickly interrupted. "Well don't say his name! I mean, for heaven's sake, we shouldn't have people continue to dox law enforcement when they have an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against them," Noem snapped.
Brennan countered that the agent's name was already public, to which Noem replied, "I know, but that doesn’t mean it should continue to be said." She asserted that Ross was 'attacked' by Good's car and that he and his family had faced significant threats since the incident.
Questions Over Investigation and Agent's Status
The interview grew more tense as Brennan pressed for details on Ross's current status and whether he was under investigation. It was revealed last week that Ross suffered internal bleeding in his torso, though the severity remains unclear.
Noem confirmed Ross was 'healing' but refused to discuss his medical records. When asked if he had been placed on administrative leave, Noem stated, "We are following the exact same investigative and review process that we always have." She later clarified that a probe into his actions was standard procedure.
This follows claims from Minnesota's governor that the only person not being investigated for the shooting is the federal agent who fired the shots.
Details of the Fatal Incident and Aftermath
The confrontation occurred when officers approached Good's stopped Honda SUV during a protest. Video shows an officer grabbing the door handle before the vehicle began to pull forward. Ross then fired his weapon.
Good sustained four gunshot wounds: two to the chest, one to her left forearm, and one to the left side of her head. Paramedics attempted lifesaving measures but discontinued CPR at 10:30 am.
In a controversial development, an investigation has been launched into Good's wife, Rebecca, who was present at the protest. Authorities accuse her of impeding a federal agent moments before the shooting. This probe has reportedly led to the resignation of at least six federal prosecutors.
The tragedy has sparked widespread protests, with reports indicating 1,500 troops are 'on standby' for potential deployment in Minnesota.
