When Civil Rights Protesters Are Killed, Some Deaths Resonate More
By Aniko Bodroghkozy, University of Virginia
In the aftermath of intense protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policy, the tragic deaths of two white Minneapolis residents, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, have captured national attention. Killed in January 2026 by federal agents, their fates echo broader patterns in media coverage and public sentiment regarding civil rights activism.
A Disparity in Attention
Media outlets have focused heavily on Good and Pretti, overshadowing other casualties of federal enforcement actions. For instance, Silverio Villegas González was killed in Chicago under similar circumstances a few months prior, yet his name remains largely unknown to the public. Similarly, Ruben Ray Martinez, who was shot multiple times by ICE agents in Texas, only recently garnered attention after a long delay. This raises critical questions about why certain deaths attract extensive media coverage while others remain in the shadows.
The Power of Historical Context
As a media historian, I find compelling parallels between the present-day coverage of Good and Pretti and the treatment of civil rights protests in the 1965 Selma demonstrations. The deaths of two white activists in that critical moment, including the brutal killing of James Reeb, saw heightened media focus. Conversely, the death of Black voting rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson received little attention, mirroring the disregard for non-white victims in today’s context.
The Iconic Visuals of Change
Footage from Selma’s Edmund Pettus Bridge remains etched in history as a symbol of the Civil Rights Movement. The brutal treatment of peaceful marchers shocked the nation, much like the recent images from Minneapolis have jolted contemporary viewers. The emotional weight of such visual narratives shapes public perceptions, often elevating the narratives of white victims over those of people of color.
Gender Dynamics in Activism
Both Good and Pretti’s sacrifices invite scrutiny beyond racial lines to their gender dynamics. Women activists like Viola Liuzzo and Renee Good have faced derogatory portrayals not typically assigned to their male counterparts. While male victims like Reeb or Pretti often escape the scrutiny faced by women, the media narratives around female activists frequently include personal character judgments.
Smearing of the Victim
The press coverage and subsequent public responses to Good and Liuzzo are marked by a similar trajectory: initial framing as selfless mothers quickly gives way to blame and vilification. Liuzzo’s activism during the Selma marches was met with accusations of irresponsibility, echoed years later in the narratives surrounding Good.
The Role of Political Narratives
In both instances, powerful political figures attempted to manipulate media framing. After Good’s death, Vice President J.D. Vance implied it was a tragedy of her own making, a sentiment that resonated with similar responses to Liuzzo’s killing. Such rhetoric often aims to shift focus from systemic issues to individual blame, potentially hindering broader support for social justice movements.
Variations in Media Treatment
Interestingly, media representations of male activists like Pretti were comparatively less harsh. Pretti, a licensed gun owner, had the advantage of embodying the Second Amendment rights that resonated with conservative audiences. This illustrates how gender and race can intersect in ways that affect public perception and media narratives.
The Evolving Landscape of Activism
As we reflect on the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, it’s crucial to acknowledge the historical context while recognizing the persistent patterns in media portrayal of white activists versus their non-white counterparts. The sacrifices made by these individuals should be honored not only through accolades but also by critically examining the societal narratives that shape their legacies.
Emphasizing the need for equitable media treatment across racial and gender lines, we can better understand the complexities of civil rights activism in America today.
