Premier Wab Kinew is voicing solidarity with Minnesotans after a woman was shot dead in Minneapolis by a U.S. immigration officer last week, setting off days of protests.
Kinew said he spoke with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Monday after having also reached out to Minnesota Lt.-Gov. Peggy Flanagan shortly after a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer shot Renee Nicole Good three times in her vehicle.
“I offered whatever assistance we could provide and of course the sense of solidarity that we could send down to our American friends and, in many cases, family,” Kinew said at an unrelated news conference Monday in Winnipeg.
“I let him know that we here in Manitoba support our neighbours … and of course, we just want to see what’s happening down there stop.”
Video circulated Wednesday of an ICE agent firing three shots at Good, 37, while she was behind the wheel of her SUV in Minneapolis.
More footage emerged from the ICE officer’s perspective Friday.
Those videos contradict characterizations by U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice-President JD Vance and others who have said Good was attempting to ram the officer with her SUV.
The shooting set off days of ongoing protests, with Walz declaring Friday a “day of unity” in the state in an attempt to tamp down tensions and prevent further violence.
“Regardless of where you stand on immigration, regardless of where you stand on Trump, I think everyone agrees that seeing a mother have her life taken in such a way is just wrong,” Kinew said Monday.
“Let’s just find a way to help our American neighbours make it through this difficult period in that country so that we can get back to a more positive way of life.”
Kinew urged Manitobans to check in with American friends and family.
“I can tell you it meant a lot to Gov. Walz to have our province reach out and offer support. I think if you could do the same to American friends and relatives that would be greatly appreciated,” he said.
“Thank God we’re Canadian, and we’re going to keep it that way.”
The premier also said the PCs would “have some explaining to do” on Monday.
Within about an hour, PC Leader Obby Khan distanced the party from board member Patrick Allard and comments he made online about ICE over the weekend.
Khan said Allard has been suspended over “inappropriate and offensive” comments online following the fatal shooting.
