Late-night host criticizes Trump administration
Stephen Colbert warned Thursday that the Trump administration is pushing what he called an “obey or die” policy following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday. On The Late Show, Colbert urged Americans to speak out peacefully and nonviolently against federal agents operating in their communities.
Colbert calls out the White House narrative
Colbert accused the administration of spinning the story to justify the officer’s actions. He said, “The message from this administration is clear: only they determine the truth. When federal forces enter your city, you either obey—or face deadly consequences. And if you die, they’ll claim you didn’t obey.”
Alarm for all Americans
Colbert warned that the incident should concern everyone, regardless of whether they live in a red or blue state. He emphasized that unchecked federal power could lead to unaccountable armed agents acting with impunity nationwide. He encouraged viewers to peacefully contact their leaders to voice opposition.
The Minneapolis shooting
According to Colbert, the video of the incident shows Good turning away from the officer. Reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post suggest the agent could have moved and still fired multiple shots from the side of the vehicle. Colbert argued the shooting appeared unjustified and occurred in public with witnesses present.
Administration and Trump response
Colbert said the White House attempted to downplay what viewers saw, framing the officer’s actions as a response to “domestic terrorism” and asking the public to trust their version over the evidence. In contrast, President Trump posted on Truth Social hours after the shooting, labeling Good a “professional agitator” who “viciously ran over” the ICE officer, claiming the agent acted in self-defense.
