In the wake of a fatal shooting during a protest in Minneapolis, an outpouring of public support has transformed the financial future of Renee Nicole Good’s surviving family—though it cannot ease the emotional toll of her sudden death.
Good, a 34-year-old mother of three and wife to Rebecca Good, was shot and killed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent Jonathan “Jon” Ross on Wednesday afternoon. The incident occurred near an anti-ICE demonstration where, according to witnesses and video footage, Good and her wife were acting as legal observers.
Ross fired three shots after Good’s SUV began moving forward as he stood near the driver’s door. Authorities claim Ross believed he was in imminent danger of being struck by the vehicle. However, newly released surveillance video shows the vehicle did not accelerate aggressively and came to a stop after colliding with two parked cars. The FBI and Minnesota state officials have launched separate investigations into the use of lethal force.
Within 48 hours of the shooting, a GoFundMe campaign launched to assist the family surpassed $1.5 million—far exceeding its initial $50,000 goal. Nearly 38,000 donors contributed, including one anonymous gift of $50,000. Organizers described the response as both “heartbreaking and humbling,” noting that the funds will support Good’s widow and children, including a six-year-old son who lost his mother.
Despite widespread offers—including adoption proposals from strangers moved by the tragedy—the family has declined all external custody arrangements. Those close to them say this aligns with Renee Good’s explicit wishes for her child’s care, underscoring a deeply personal commitment that transcends financial security.
The shooting has ignited national debate. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Vice President JD Vance defended Ross, calling the shooting justified and attributing Good’s presence at the protest to “left-wing ideology.” Conversely, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey dismissed the self-defense claim as “garbage,” citing video evidence that contradicts the officer’s account.
Good’s family had relocated to Minneapolis last year after briefly living in Canada following the 2024 presidential election. Friends describe her as active in her son’s school community and involved with local immigrant advocacy efforts. Her mother, Donna Ganger, disputed claims that Good participated in confrontational protest activity, saying her daughter would not have engaged in violence.
As investigations continue, the surge in donations reflects a broader public reckoning with law enforcement accountability—and the enduring human instinct to protect grieving families. For many, the tragedy is not just about how Good died, but who she was: a mother, a neighbor, and a woman whose final wishes are now guiding her family through unimaginable loss.
Short Summary
Renee Nicole Good, a 34-year-old mother of three, was fatally shot by an ICE agent during a protest in Minneapolis, sparking national outcry and a $1.5 million GoFundMe campaign for her family. While authorities claim the officer acted in self-defense, video evidence and community leaders challenge that narrative. The family has honored Good’s final wishes regarding her son’s care, declining outside custody offers despite overwhelming public support.
