Renee Nicole Good, a beloved resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, has died on January 7, 2026, following a fatal incident that has sparked widespread grief, outrage, and calls for answers across the city and beyond. The shooting occurred on a residential street in south Minneapolis, specifically on Portland Avenue between East 33rd and 34th Streets in the Central neighborhood.
It happened during a large-scale immigration enforcement operation announced by the Department of Homeland Security just the day before. According to federal accounts, ICE agents were conducting targeted arrests when a vehicle driven by Renee approached the scene. Officials claimed the driver was blocking the street or attempting to weaponize the car against agents, prompting one officer to fire in self-defense.
However, local authorities and eyewitnesses have strongly disputed this version of events. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey described the federal justification as “bullshit” after reviewing video footage, stating it showed reckless use of power rather than any imminent threat.
Police Chief Brian O’Hara noted there was no evidence Renee was the target of any investigation, and city council members emphasized she appeared to be caring for or checking on neighbors when her life was taken. The bullet struck her through the windshield, killing the 37-year-old instantly inside her vehicle.
Renee Nicole Good was a U.S. citizen who had only recently made Minneapolis her home, describing herself on social media as experiencing the city after moving from places like Colorado Springs—where she was born—and more lately the Kansas City area. She was a devoted mother of three children, pouring her energy into raising them with the same kindness that defined her. Those who knew her spoke of her as one of the most compassionate people they had ever met, always ready to care for others, forgive, and offer affection without hesitation.
Creativity flowed through Renee’s life in beautiful ways. She was an avid poet and writer who earned an undergraduate poetry prize in 2020, channeling her thoughts and emotions into words that touched others. She played guitar as a hobby, strumming songs that brought joy to quiet moments. Friends and family remembered her as loving, forgiving, and deeply affectionate—an amazing human being whose warmth left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.
In the hours and days following the tragedy, the community responded with profound sorrow and solidarity. Thousands gathered for vigils at the site, leaving candles, flowers, and posters with her photograph. Makeshift memorials grew along the street where she lost her life, turning the corner into a place of reflection and protest. Her wife, Becca Good, and other family members—including her mother, Donna Ganger—grappled publicly with the sudden loss, describing Renee as having been murdered while simply living her life with care for those around her.
At just 37, Renee’s passing has left an irreplaceable void for her children, wife, extended family, and the many lives she enriched through her kindness and creativity. As investigations continue and the city mourns, her legacy as a compassionate soul, proud mother, and talented writer endures, reminding everyone of the profound impact one person’s gentleness can have. She will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.