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

For Immediate Release: January 8, 2026 by President Julie Kent, Florida NOW, president@flnow.org

Orlando, FL —The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) is horrified and outraged by the killing of a 37-year-old woman by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minnesota. According to publicly available reports, the woman was shot and killed while in her car during an ICE operation. This devastating and unconscionable act demands immediate transparency, accountability, and justice.

“This is a profound violation of human rights,” said Julie Kent, President FL NOW. “A woman lost her life at the hands of a government agency that is supposed to protect the public. Instead, she was met with lethal force. We refuse to accept a system where women — especially immigrant women and women of color — are treated as disposable.”

FL NOW calls for:

• A full, independent investigation into the circumstances of the shooting
• Immediate public release of all body‑camera footage, reports, and evidence
• Accountability for all agents involved, including administrative and criminal consequences were warranted
• A federal review of ICE use‑of‑force policies, particularly in operations involving women, families, and non-violent encounters
• Investment in humane, community-based alternatives that do not rely on militarized enforcement

This tragedy is part of a broader pattern of violence and abuse that immigrant communities — especially women — have been sounding the alarm about for years. FL NOW stands firmly with immigrant‑rights organizations, community leaders, and the victim’s family in demanding justice and systemic change.

“Women deserve safety, dignity, and the right to live without fear,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW. “We expect a full investigation. We will not look away. We will not be silent.”

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