Full Breakdown
Arson Investigation at Renee Good Memorial in Minneapolis
2/20/2026, 12:39:41 AM
Incident Overview
On Tuesday evening, a memorial dedicated to Renee Good in Minneapolis was damaged by a suspicious fire. The Minneapolis Police Department reported that a pile of wood at the memorial site was set ablaze around 8:46 p.m. Although the fire was extinguished before officers arrived, several items at the memorial were damaged. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
Background on Renee Good
Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother, was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer, Jonathan Ross, on January 7, 2026, during an immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. Her death, along with that of Alex Pretti, who was shot by Border Patrol agents later in January, sparked significant public outcry and protests against ICE's actions in Minnesota.
Community Response and Memorial Significance
The memorial for Good, located at the intersection of East 34th Street and Portland Avenue, has become a focal point for community mourning and activism. Local residents have regularly visited the site to leave flowers, candles, and messages in her honor. Following the fire, community members, including neighbors and observers, worked to extinguish the flames and clean up the site. Jason Chavez, a Minneapolis City Council member representing the area, condemned the act as "despicable" and emphasized the need for justice for both Good and Pretti.
Official Statements
Minnesota Representative Angie Craig expressed her outrage on social media, stating, “Renee’s family and the Minneapolis community deserve the chance to mourn her. This is unacceptable and we must hold anyone involved in this hateful incident accountable.” Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey reiterated the city's commitment to providing a respectful space for grieving, stating, “We will always prioritize giving our community space to grieve and heal. Everyone should respect the space around the memorial.”
Calls for Permanent Memorials
In the wake of the fire, there have been renewed calls for a permanent memorial for both Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Council member Jason Chavez highlighted the importance of involving the families of the victims in the planning process for any future memorials. Community members have expressed a desire to ensure that the memorials remain significant spaces for reflection and remembrance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the police have classified the fire as suspicious and are investigating, there are no confirmed suspects at this time. Witnesses reported finding gasoline canisters at the scene, suggesting a deliberate act of arson. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.
What's Next
As the investigation unfolds, community leaders and city officials are working on plans to preserve the memorials for Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of permanent memorials that honor the memories of both individuals and reflect the community's sentiments regarding their tragic deaths.
