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Florida NOW Condemns Kristi Noem’s, Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Irresponsible and Inflammatory Mischaracterization of Minnesota Woman’s Murder

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2026   President Julie Kent, Florida NOW, president@flnow.org

Orlando, FL — 1.11.26 — The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) condemns DHS Kristi Noem’s public characterization of the tragic killing of a Minnesota woman as “domestic terrorism,” despite all publicly available evidence indicating that the incident was the result of reckless gun use in a residential neighborhood.

According to reporting from Minnesota law enforcement and local media, investigators have not identified any political motive, ideological targeting, or organized intent behind the shooting. Early evidence instead points to a preventable act of negligence involving a firearm — a pattern that communities across the country know far too well.

“Mislabeling a woman’s death as ‘domestic terrorism’ without evidence is not leadership — it is political opportunism that distorts the truth and disrespects the victim,” said Julie Kent, President FL NOW, Florida NOW. “Women deserve accuracy, accountability, and a commitment to preventing gun violence, not sensationalism that exploits tragedy.”

FL NOW emphasizes that irresponsible rhetoric from public officials can:

  • Undermine public trust in legitimate terrorism investigations
  • Distract from the real crisis of ICE’s violent handling of immigration, like this murder and the terrible handling of immigrants in prison camps. It also distracts from another real issue, gun violence in the U.S.
  • Inflame fear and division at a moment when families and communities need clarity and compassion.
  • Obscure the urgent need for gun safety reforms, including safe storage laws and accountability for negligent firearm use.

“Women are killed every day in this country because guns are too easy to access, too easy to misuse, and too rarely handled with responsibility,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “Calling this tragedy ‘terrorism’ does nothing to address the code of conduct issues with ICE and the systemic failures that endanger women. We demand a full independent investigation into this terrible ICE action. We expect transparency and accountability.”

FL NOW calls on elected officials to demand review of the ICE code of conduct and regulations, to ground their public statements in verified facts, to refrain from politicizing women’s deaths, and to prioritize evidence-based policies that reduce gun violence and protect communities.

Florida NOW will continue to advocate for gun safety, truth in public communication, and justice for all women harmed by preventable violence.

### Media Contact: Debbie Deland, vp@flnow.org, 407 234-6408