Story perspectives

Ellen DeGeneres Faces Backlash Over Minneapolis Shooting Comments

1/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ellen DeGeneres faced backlash after she expressed sorrow for unrest in Minneapolis and praised peaceful demonstrators following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
Critics accused her of hypocrisy and political grandstanding, with some demanding an apology for her comments.
The Department of Homeland Security has deployed over 2,000 federal officers to the area, intensifying tensions.
Protests are expected to diminish as Minnesota faces severe cold weather.

History

Historical Context

The murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police on May 25, 2020, ignited widespread protests against systemic racism and police brutality, marking a pivotal moment in the Black Lives Matter movement. By June, over 200 cities imposed curfews, and 96,000 National Guard members were deployed nationwide, making it the largest military operation in the U.S. since World War II.

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Story summary

Ellen DeGeneres faced backlash after she expressed sorrow for unrest in Minneapolis and praised peaceful demonstrators following the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent.
Critics accused her of hypocrisy and political grandstanding, with some demanding an apology for her comments.
The Department of Homeland Security has deployed over 2,000 federal officers to the area, intensifying tensions.
Protests are expected to diminish as Minnesota faces severe cold weather.

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