People visit a memorial set up where Renee Good was...

People visit a memorial set up where Renee Good was shot and killed by federal agents last week in Minneapolis. Credit: Getty Images/Scott Olson

Renee Good shooting in Minneapolis

It’s quite remarkable seeing those from the party of so-called “limited government” ritualistically defend the shooting and killing of an unarmed U.S. citizen by an agent of the state [“Minneapolis woman shot, killed in her car by ICE officer,” News, Jan. 8]. Contrary to the mental gymnastics performed by those who spent last week celebrating the pardons of the Jan. 6 traitors who bludgeoned Capitol Police officers, fleeing law enforcement does not warrant a death sentence in the United States. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s reckless, pre-investigative conclusion that Renee Good was a “domestic terrorist” mimics the same MAGA whitewashing of Jan. 6 which tells us not to believe our lying eyes when watching the videos. Congress needs to exercise its oversight authority and rein in this rogue agency once and for all.

— Brendan Cunningham, West Babylon

As someone who has spent 30 years in law enforcement, I find it very suspicious and upsetting that the FBI has blocked the Minneapolis and the Minnesota state police from conducting an independent investigation into the ICE shooting resulting in Renee Nicole Good’s death. In fact, they have blocked them from even conducting a joint investigation with local, state and federal authorities which is routinely done when there is an interagency shooting.

This shooting has exacerbated an already contentious and chaotic Trump immigration deportation policy and is sure to create an even more dangerous situation for law enforcement and the public. President Donald Trump and his administration have already made a determination and stated that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement shooting was justified before any investigation was conducted.

That premature determination will only lead to distrust and suspicion with any conclusion eventually made by the FBI. I fear we have not seen the last of the violence between ICE and demonstrators.

— Jim Kiernan, Holbrook

In regard to the tragedy in Minnesota, I find it astonishing how many social media “experts” there are regarding ICE procedures, self defense and video analysis. Regardless of your belief, if it is wrong to pre-assess if this was murder, then by rule, it is equally wrong to prejudge that it was self defense.

— David Lavenda, Islandia

Many comments implied that Renee Good wasn’t a model individual, and that what she did was wrong. It doesn’t matter if what she did was wrong, anymore than her past does. She didn’t deserve to die. And the claim that she hit the ICE agent with her car before he shot her can be debunked by the laws of physics.

No one deserves to die for blocking traffic. It doesn’t matter if they’re a pillar of the community, the worst person in town, or a young woman who got herself into a bad situation.

If this tragic, avoidable killing shows us anything, it shows us that we are not safe. And that is something we should all question.

— Elizabeth Aquino, Amityville

Governor’s 3D pitch misguided

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to force 3D printer manufacturers to block the printing of firearms, while seemingly noble, is misguided at best [“Hochul targets ‘3D guns,’ ‘pistol converters’ in new proposals,” News, Jan. 8].

3D printed guns, like the one used in the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO, consist of a plastic printed base and mechanical metal firearm parts. The plastic parts by themselves pose no danger. The manufactured metal gun parts that are available online with no questions asked are the lethal problem.

The federal government has somehow determined that the stock makes the gun, not the firing mechanisms. That’s akin to saying a wooden ax handle is an ax.

One of the most popular uses of 3D printers is the making of cosplay props, many of which are types of weapons, whether historic or fantastical. Demanding that 3D printer manufacturers decide which is a prop and which is a functioning weapon is not practical. The governor should go after the weapon manufacturers who are selling gun parts online instead.

— Bill Yovino, Rockville Centre

The writer is a 3D printing hobbyist.

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