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Misinformation Spreads Online as Fabricated Image of Minneapolis ICE Shooting Victim Goes Viral
A doctored image circulating across social media platforms falsely depicts Renee Nicole Good, who was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in Minneapolis, as having mocked the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The fabricated image, which began spreading shortly after Good’s January 7, 2026 death, shows what appears to be Good pointing at her neck in an apparent reference to Kirk, who was fatally shot in the neck in 2025. The manipulated photo was shared widely on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Threads, often accompanied by captions such as “Here is her celebrating Kirk getting shot” and “KARMA…”
Fact-checkers have confirmed the image is fake, created either through photo editing software or artificial intelligence. The creator of the image digitally placed Good’s head onto a screenshot from a video featuring a completely different woman at what appears to be a protest.
Digital forensics revealed that the fabricator used a widely circulated photo from Good’s maternity shoot as the source for her face and hair. A side-by-side comparison shows identical facial expressions and even the same distinctive curl in her hair, providing clear evidence of manipulation.
The lower portion of the image appears to have been taken from a controversial video that circulated in October 2025 shortly after Kirk’s death. That original video allegedly showed a Chicago teacher mocking Kirk’s assassination, though previous fact-checking found little verifiable evidence about that incident. The manipulated image incorporated elements from this video, including the shirt and certain background features.
Background elements in the fake image show inconsistencies typical of AI generation, including an American flag and protest signs that appear to have been added, removed, or repositioned compared to any authentic source material.
This isn’t the first instance of misinformation surrounding Good’s death. Fact-checkers have previously debunked other fabricated content, including an AI-generated image purporting to show Good’s car aimed at the ICE officer who shot her, and a falsified “rap sheet” wrongly attributed to her.
The spread of such manipulated content highlights the increasing challenge of digital misinformation in the aftermath of high-profile incidents. Social media platforms continue to struggle with the rapid proliferation of false or misleading content, particularly around politically charged events.
Good’s death has drawn significant attention across the country, with family members recently sharing statements about their “unimaginable loss.” According to multiple news reports, Good’s family remembers her as being “full of heart.”
The case represents a troubling intersection of immigration enforcement, social media misinformation, and political polarization. As investigations into the circumstances of Good’s shooting continue, the spread of false information threatens to complicate public understanding of the incident.
Media literacy experts recommend that users verify information through multiple reliable sources before sharing content, particularly during emotionally charged news events when misinformation tends to proliferate rapidly.
Law enforcement officials have not commented on the spread of the fabricated image, as they focus on the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Good’s death at the hands of ICE personnel.
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10 Comments
Spreading falsehoods about a victim’s death is a callous and unacceptable act. Fact-checkers play a vital role in debunking these types of fabrications and restoring the truth. We must denounce such blatant attempts to smear someone’s memory.
Absolutely. Manipulated images are a pernicious form of misinformation that can have real-world consequences. It’s crucial that we as a society remain vigilant and hold those responsible accountable.
This is a sobering reminder of the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age. We must be vigilant against malicious actors who seek to manipulate public perception through the use of doctored visuals.
This is a disturbing case of misinformation and manipulation. Fabricating images to smear someone’s memory is unethical and harmful. We should be vigilant about verifying information, especially around sensitive events, to prevent the spread of falsehoods.
It’s disheartening to see how quickly misinformation can spread online, especially around tragic events. We need robust digital forensics capabilities to identify and remove these fabricated images before they cause further harm.
Spreading doctored images to mock the death of a victim is a new low. The fabricator shows a complete lack of empathy and respect for human life. Fact-checking is crucial to counter such blatant attempts to mislead the public.
Agreed. Using manipulated visuals to push a false narrative is a disturbing tactic. We must demand accountability and ensure the truth comes to light, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
The creation and dissemination of this doctored image is a reprehensible act. We must condemn such blatant attempts to smear the victim’s memory and prevent the further spread of this misinformation.
This is a disturbing example of how misinformation can be weaponized to attack the memory of a victim. We must be diligent in verifying the authenticity of images and information, especially when it comes to sensitive and tragic events.
You’re right. Fact-checking is essential to combat the spread of these fabricated visuals. Allowing such falsehoods to go unchecked only serves to further traumatize the victim’s loved ones and erode public trust.