Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr delivered a blistering condemnation of the US federal government on Friday, criticizing official accounts of the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis and praising the Minnesota Timberwolves for publicly acknowledging the woman's death.
Speaking to reporters before the Warriors' game against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center, Kerr said the response from federal authorities following Good's killing by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent was "shameful", accusing officials of misrepresenting events despite the existence of video footage and eyewitness accounts.
Good, 37, was shot and killed on Wednesday on a residential street in Minneapolis after ICE agents approached her vehicle, which was partially blocking a lane of traffic. Video of the encounter shows agents ordering her to exit the car and attempting to open the driver's side door. As Good tried to pull away, one agent stepped in front of the vehicle and another fired shots, killing her.
The incident has sparked protests across the Twin Cities and intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics. US president Donald Trump and senior administration officials have said the agent acted in self-defense, claiming Good used her vehicle as a weapon - a description disputed by Minnesota governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, and other local officials, who have characterized the shooting as reckless.
"I'm glad that the Timberwolves recognized her life and the tragic nature of her death," Kerr said, referring to the moment of silence held Thursday night before Minnesota's home game against Cleveland. "It's shameful, really, that in our country we can have law enforcement officers who commit murder and seemingly get away with it.
"It's shameful that the government can come out and lie about what happened when there's video and witnesses who have all come out and disputed what the government is saying. So, very demoralizing, devastating to lose anyone's life, especially in that manner. So it's terrible, terribly sad for her family, and for her, and that city, and I'm glad the Timberwolves came out and expressed that sadness."
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch addressed the shooting before Thursday's game, offering condolences to Good's family and acknowledging the toll the incident has taken on the Minneapolis community. "Our community has suffered yet another unspeakable tragedy," Finch said. "We want to convey our heartfelt wishes and prayers to everyone affected."
Kerr, 60, has long been one of the most outspoken figures in American professional sports on political and social issues, particularly around gun violence and accountability in law enforcement. He has frequently criticized Trump and his administration during both of Trump's terms in office, using his platform to speak on issues that extend well beyond basketball.