Possible arson attempt reported at south Minneapolis memorial for Renee Good, killed in ICE shooting
What was reported at the memorial site
A possible arson attempt was reported Tuesday night, Feb. 17, 2026, at the makeshift memorial for Renée Good in south Minneapolis. The memorial has remained a focal point for mourning and public gatherings since Good was fatally shot last month during an encounter with federal immigration agents.
Photos and video circulated publicly from the scene showed scorch damage on a nearby fence and the presence of containers believed to contain gasoline placed next to the memorial. The fire did not destroy the site, and it was put out before it could spread further.
Location and immediate response
The memorial is located near Portland Avenue South and East 33rd Street, close to where Good was shot on Jan. 7, 2026. Community members at the scene used available equipment to extinguish the flames. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.
Police responded after being called to the location. As of Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, publicly available information indicated the incident was being treated as a suspected attempt to set the memorial area on fire, though officials had not released a detailed public account of the investigation or any suspect information.
Why the memorial has drawn attention
Good, 37, was killed on Jan. 7 during a confrontation involving an ICE officer. Federal officials said at the time that an officer used deadly force because Good posed a threat with her vehicle. Family members, local officials, and bystanders disputed that characterization, and video from the incident has been cited publicly in support of conflicting interpretations of what occurred in the seconds before the shooting.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner later ruled Good’s death a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds. Her death prompted protests in Minneapolis and sustained scrutiny of federal enforcement tactics and the handling of investigations involving federal officers.
What remains unknown
Key questions remain unresolved, including who may have placed gasoline at the memorial site and whether the act was intended to target the memorial specifically or nearby materials. Officials had not announced any arrests or a formal determination of motive by Wednesday.
Date of the reported incident: Tuesday night, Feb. 17, 2026
Location: Portland Avenue South near East 33rd Street, Minneapolis
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Scorching and some damage to items near the memorial, with the site largely intact
The memorial site has been repeatedly treated by neighbors and visitors as both a place of mourning and a public gathering point, increasing sensitivity to safety concerns and the potential for escalation.
Minneapolis officials have indicated they are in contact with relevant city departments regarding safety and restoration concerns at the location, while law enforcement continues work to clarify what happened and who was responsible.