Minneapolis Public Schools canceled classes for Thursday and Friday following the fatal shooting of a 37-year-old woman by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, district officials announced Wednesday night.
The district made the decision "out of an abundance of caution" due to safety concerns related to incidents throughout the city. All district-sponsored programs, including athletics, activities, Community Education, and adult education, were also canceled.
The district will not offer e-learning, as that option is only permitted during severe weather. The closures affected approximately 33,000 students across the district.
The shooting occurred around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at East 34th Street and Portland Avenue in south Minneapolis. The victim was identified as Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen who lived in Minneapolis with her partner, according to kare11.
Witnesses reported that ICE agents approached Good's red Honda Pilot, which was blocking the roadway. Video footage and eyewitness accounts show agents gave conflicting orders, with one agent attempting to open the vehicle's door while another shouted commands.
What Happened During the Shooting
As Good's vehicle began to move forward, an ICE agent fired at least three shots through the driver's side window. The vehicle then crashed into a parked car several feet away. Good sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was transported to Hennepin Healthcare, where she was pronounced dead, CPR reported.
Federal officials claimed Good attempted to run over officers, with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem calling it "an act of domestic terrorism." However, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called the federal account "bullshit" and demanded ICE leave the city. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz also disputed the federal narrative, stating, "Don't believe this propaganda machine."
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara said there was nothing to indicate Good was the target of any law enforcement investigation. Two federal sources confirmed Good was a U.S. citizen, and city leaders said she was a legal observer monitoring federal activities. Community members described her as a caring neighbor and advocate.
Community Response and School Safety Concerns
The shooting sparked protests throughout the city, with hundreds of residents gathering at the scene. Later Wednesday afternoon, federal agents appeared at Roosevelt High School, approximately three miles from the shooting location, leading to additional confrontations.
Videos showed agents using pepper spray on crowds, and some students were reportedly pepper-sprayed during the incident. The school's presence raised further alarm among families and students in the district.
Minneapolis Public Schools stated it will continue collaborating with the City of Minneapolis and other partners on emergency preparedness and response. The district encouraged families to check the website for updates regarding Friday's operations, as per Fox9.
