The ex-father-in-law of Renee Good is calling on Americans to “turn to God” at this time, just weeks after the 37-year-old mom of three was shot and killed by a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis.
Timmy Macklin Sr. shared his thoughts and reactions on CNN’s “OutFront with Wrin Burnett".
“Renee was an amazing person,” he said, describing his former daughter-in-law as someone who was “full of joy … real gentle … and a good mother".
He added that while people sometimes “make bad choices”, he does not blame Renee for what happened to her.
"I don't blame ICE. I don't blame [Good's wife] Rebecca. I don't blame Renee," Macklin told CNN. "I just wish that, you know, if we're walking in the spirit of God, I don't think she would have been there. That's the way I look at it."
He went on: “There’s so much chaos in the world today, and that’s why the Bible says, ‘If my people would humble themselves and seek His face and pray and turn from their wicked ways, God will hear from Heaven and forgive our sins and heal our wounds."
Macklin urged Americans to "turn to God and walk in the spirit of God … and let Him lead us and guide us".
Good was killed in her car following an encounter with ICE agents, who were deployed to the Twin Cities for an immigration enforcement operation.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released a statement shortly after the incident, stating that the agent was acting in self-defence. Local officials and witnesses, however, said Good posed no danger to the agent.
Her death has sparked widespread demonstrations and protests nationwide, with many Americans opposing ICE’s enforcement tactics.