Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7
MINNEAPOLIS — Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda is continuing his call for prayers a woman was shot and killed by a federal agent in Minneapolis Jan. 7.
“Following this morning’s deadly shooting in Minneapolis, I reiterate my plea for all people of good will to join me in prayer for the person who was killed, for their loved ones, and for our community,” Archbishop Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis said in a statement following the incident, referring to his request for prayers on Dec. 23 as immigration enforcement efforts in the Twin Cities drew concerns from some about attending Christmas Masses.
The woman shot by an officer with Immigration and Customs Enforcement was identified as Renee Nicole Good, 37.
During a news conference, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara said police responded to the area after receiving a report of a federal law enforcement officer being involved in a deadly force incident.
O’Hara said a preliminary investigation into the incident indicated the woman “was in her vehicle and was blocking the roadway on Portland Avenue, midway between 33rd Street and 34th Street in the city.
“At some point, a federal law enforcement officer approached her, on foot, and the vehicle began to drive off. At least two shots were fired. The vehicle then crashed on the side of the roadway,” O’Hara said.
In remarks during a news conference Jan. 8, Gov. Tim Walz reiterated his condolences to Good’s family: “Deepest sympathies on an unimaginable tragedy and the horror of the last 24 hours.”
In his Weekly Word newsletter on Jan. 12, Archbishop Hebda acknowledged what he described as “a heaviness in our community these days.”
Archbishop Hebda said he prayed for “consolation for the grieving members of the Good family; wisdom for our political leaders here and in Washington; prudence and safety for those charged with enforcing our laws; temperance on the part of those protesting; healing for those wounded by the divisions that cleave our state and our nation (especially our young); courage for our neighbors who have been living in fear; and a sense of hope for families directly impacted by the detention of loved ones.”
The archbishop’s words followed a weekend of protests in the Twin Cities in which thousands gathered, according to city officials. Local leaders continued to call for peaceful demonstrations. Protests were also held in several cities across the country.
Archbishop Hebda in his Jan. 7 statement appealed for all people “to lower the temperature of rhetoric, stop fear-filled speculation and start seeing all people as created in the image and likeness of God.”
He said, “That is as true for our immigrant sisters and brothers as it is for our elected officials and those who are responsible for enforcing our laws.”
Archbishop Hebda also said he wanted to “echo today the repeated call of the U.S. Catholic bishops that we come together as a nation and pass meaningful immigration reform that does justice to all parties.”
He indicated that the issue is becoming “more divisive and violent” the longer the country refuses to grapple with it.
“It is only by working together — with God’s help — that we will have peace in our communities, state and world,” he said.
