Stephen King Sparks Backlash Over ICE Agent Jonathan Ross Post

Renowned author Stephen King has ignited controversy with his remarks about a recent incident involving an ICE agent. King’s January 7 post on X questioned the credibility of claims that agent Jonathan Ross was run over during the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. He stated that “the visual evidence shows no indication” of such an event.

Background of the Incident

The fatal encounter occurred amid escalating tensions surrounding ICE operations. Following the incident, the Department of Homeland Security asserted that Ross suffered internal bleeding to his torso. However, many online critics, particularly those on the political left, disputed this claim, questioning the veracity of the agent’s injuries.

Conflicting Statements

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended Ross, insisting he acted in self-defense after being struck by Good’s vehicle. This narrative, however, has been publicly challenged by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and other Minnesota officials. Eyewitness videos have failed to conclusively demonstrate that Good’s car made contact with Ross.

• King’s stance garnered backlash from various commentators on X.
• Many users mentioned video evidence suggesting that Good’s vehicle did indeed hit the ICE agent.
• Pro-Trump users criticized King, with one suggesting he needs to have his vision checked.

Political Reactions

Statements from prominent political figures compounded the controversy. President Donald Trump claimed Good “ran [the agent] over,” while Vice President JD Vance noted the injuries to law enforcement during such confrontations. Notably, billionaire Elon Musk weighed in, asserting that Good “almost killed him.”

Conversely, Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar vocally criticized DHS statements, declaring, “You’re lying. There was no attempt to run the officer over.” Meanwhile, Mayor Frey urged the public to review the video footage, emphasizing that it depicted Good attempting to leave the scene rather than assaulting an officer.

Current Developments

The incident has prompted renewed protests against ICE in Minneapolis. An FBI inquiry is underway, with Maine officials expressing concern over federal authorities restricting access to evidence. As of now, the Justice Department does not foresee grounds for a criminal civil rights investigation.

In light of the unrest, Renee Good’s family has engaged the law firm Romanucci & Blandin to conduct an independent examination of the shooting.

As reactions continue to unfold online and in political spheres, the complexities of the situation remain under scrutiny. The discourse reflects broader divisions in society surrounding immigration enforcement and law enforcement conduct.