In brief
The agent who shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis has been identified as Jonathan Ross, a seasoned law enforcement officer and Iraq War veteran. He has served nearly 20 years with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol. As details unfold regarding the shooting, which occurred while attempting an arrest, federal officials defend Ross's actions citing self-defense, while calls for accountability persist amid public protests and an FBI investigation.
The federal agent who shot and killed a driver in Minneapolis is Jonathan Ross, an Iraq War veteran with nearly two decades of service in the Border Patrol and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), according to recent reports.
Ross shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good on Wednesday during an enforcement operation. Having served as a deportation officer with ICE since 2015, records reveal he was previously wounded last summer during a separate incident when he was dragged by a vehicle while trying to apprehend a fugitive.
While Ross's name was initially withheld by federal officials, Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed he is the agent involved in the shooting incident, which has sparked both support and protests. Video footage has led to questions about the necessity of the shooting, prompting an FBI investigation into the use of deadly force.
Demonstrators are advocating for criminal charges against Ross, paralleling investigations by Minnesota authorities.
Tracing Jonathan Ross's Career
With a military background, Ross deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005 with the Indiana National Guard, participating in combat patrols as a machine gunner. After returning to civilian life in 2005, he joined the Border Patrol in 2007, where he gathered intelligence on drug and human smuggling until moving to ICE.
In Minnesota, Ross focused on fugitive operations, pursuing high-profile targets. He testified about his responsibilities, which included developing target packages and leading operations, also highlighting his roles as a firearms and active shooter instructor.
A Tumultuous June Incident
In a previous incident last June, Ross suffered serious injuries while leading an arrest operation that involved Roberto Munoz-Guatemala, who fled authorities while Ross's arm was caught in his vehicle. Although Ross managed to deploy his Taser, Munoz-Guatemala escaped after dragging him along the street. The assailant was later convicted of assaulting a federal officer.
Political Defenses and Continued Scrutiny
In the aftermath of the shooting, officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance, have publicly supported Ross, emphasizing his extensive service to the country and the risks he's faced as part of his role. Though the Department of Homeland Security has refrained from identifying him for safety reasons, they reaffirmed that Ross acted in accordance with his extensive law enforcement training.
The situation continues to evolve as investigations proceed and attention grows regarding the actions taken by law enforcement officers during such enforcement operations.
