The Michael Knowles Show – Ep. 1887: George Floyd 2.0, Leftists Call For Murder Of ICE Agents
Date: January 9, 2026
Host: Michael Knowles (The Daily Wire)
Main Theme:
This episode centers on the fallout from a recent officer-involved shooting in Minneapolis, where a woman attempting to obstruct ICE agents was killed. Michael Knowles draws parallels to the George Floyd incident in the same city five years prior, discussing how left-wing protests and false media narratives have escalated to direct threats against ICE officers and even calls to violence. The episode explores the danger of radicalization, leftist protest culture, and the responsibility of both politicians and media in shaping public perception and behaviors toward law enforcement and federal authority.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Overview of the Minneapolis SUV Incident
[02:18, 03:50]
- New footage shows Renee Nicole Goode, the woman killed, driving her SUV directly toward an ICE officer before being shot.
- Media narratives claiming the officer was not in front of the car or that he shot "through the window" are debunked by multiple camera angles, including CNN footage.
- Knowles asserts the facts are clear: “The officer was entirely in the right. She was entirely in the wrong… The facts are not ambiguous.” (06:54)
2. False Narratives in Media Coverage
[05:00, 31:19]
- The media allegedly paints Goode as a victim or as an innocent bystander while omitting evidence of her deliberate actions and background.
- Knowles and VP JD Vance argue that these misrepresentations place law enforcement at risk and encourage dangerous behaviors among sympathizers.
- "Everybody who has been repeating the lie that this is some innocent woman who was out for a drive...should be ashamed of yourself." – VP JD Vance [31:19]
3. The Motivations and Background of the Woman Involved
[07:56, 10:10]
- Goode is described as a “bougie lib” with activist ties, who had trained to obstruct federal law enforcement, “actively undermining law enforcement… aiding and abetting criminals.”
- Knowles points out the difficulty Americans have in admitting that ideological radicalization can happen in "normal-looking" citizens.
4. Radicalization Among Ordinary Citizens
[10:10, 13:56]
- Drawing an analogy to the murder of “Charlie” on a college campus, Knowles warns about the increasing normalization and support for political violence across demographic lines, particularly among “bougie white ladies.”
5. Reactions From Fellow Protesters
[13:56, 15:04]
- A viral TikTok of a Charlotte activist reveals confusion and fear after seeing the incident, admitting she and others have similarly tried to obstruct ICE in recent weeks.
- Knowles clarifies: “You don't have a right to obstruct federal law enforcement… Democrat politicians have lied to you and allowed the anarchy to fester…” (15:04)
6. Psychological Analysis: How Law Enforcement Response Shapes Behavior
[15:04, 18:02]
- Knowles argues enforcing the law deters illegal and reckless acts; allowing lawlessness encourages more people—especially inexperienced activists—to put themselves (and others) in danger.
7. Protesters’ Guilt, Privilege, and Confusion
[18:02, 19:02]
- An on-the-ground interview with a white Minneapolis protester highlights ideological disarray: she feels guilt for "white tears" but is drawn to the protest by proximity and a muddled sense of duty.
8. Escalation: Explicit Threats Against ICE and Law Enforcement
[20:06]
- Minneapolis, New York City, and Portland protests feature explicit threats: “Kill ICE,” “We will find you,” “Save a life, kill ICE.”
- Knowles insists such statements are not protected speech but criminal incitement and recommends mass arrests.
9. Disputed Strategies for Lowering Political Tensions
[23:30]
- Knowles critiques the “let them vent” approach to public unrest, contrasting it with a “heavy hammer of the law” solution grounded in Aristotelian habit formation.
- “The more you do something, the more you want to do it… The way you bring the temperature down… is you absolutely crush the people who are attempting to destroy the political order.” (26:25)
10. JD Vance’s Press Conference
[28:43, 31:19]
- Featured as an example of moral clarity, Vance expresses sadness for the woman while blaming ideological radicalization and media distortion for the escalation to violence.
- “She is a victim of left-wing ideology… you have to be a little brainwashed to get to that point…” – JD Vance (28:43)
11. Political Responsibility and Media Critique
[31:39]
- Emphasis that misleading the public not only creates scandal but also directly endangers naive individuals acting on these misrepresentations.
12. Politicians’ Reactions: Oregon Example
[32:41]
- Oregon State Senator Casey Jama and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey both demand ICE “get out of town,” prompting Knowles to mock their rhetoric and English skills, questioning the legitimacy and logic of their positions.
13. International Note: UAE Concern Over Radicalization in UK
[34:00]
- UAE cuts funding for students attending UK schools out of fear of “radical Islam” indoctrination—used to highlight irony and the international aspect of Western radicalization.
14. Minnesota, Immigration Fraud, and Political Corruption
[36:00]
- Somali crime syndicates in Minnesota accused of defrauding government programs; Knowles claims the state government knowingly enabled this, referencing a past visit by First Lady Jill Biden to tout federal child care funds spent in Minnesota.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On leftist protest escalation:
“It feels like déjà vu all over again, doesn’t it?... Leftists committing violence over a false narrative peddled by the media following an officer-involved killing.” (00:38) -
On the viral TikTok activist:
“The last part is really all that matters… frightened right now because you can tell how confused this woman is… you don’t have a right to obstruct federal law enforcement or local law enforcement for that matter.” (15:04) -
On the law as teacher:
“The law is a teacher. The more you do that, the more you accustom people to better behavior…” (25:22) -
On contradictory protester guilt:
“There is no end to the guilt, to the disordered thinking. She says, I'm out here to mourn someone...Then she goes, but I shouldn't be crying for her coz white tears are terrible.” (19:15) -
On Vice President JD Vance’s remarks:
“What young mother shows up and decides they're going to throw their car in front of ICE officers...you've got to be a little brainwashed to get to that point.” (28:43, Vance) -
On media culpability:
“If you lie about this kind of an issue, you should triply be ashamed of yourself because you’re setting the stage for naive and ignorant people to put themselves in harm’s way for your lie. And that’s what happened.” (31:39) -
On enforcing order:
“I think that the way that you bring the temperature down is that you absolutely crush the people who are attempting to destroy the political order.” (26:25)
Important Segment Timestamps
- [02:18] – Analysis of Minneapolis SUV shooting footage, debunking media narratives
- [05:00] – Discussion of the “false narrative” surrounding Renee Nicole Goode
- [10:10] – Middle ground between “anarchist terrorist” and “innocent mom” activist
- [13:56] – TikTok confession from Charlotte activist; aftermath of the shooting
- [15:04] – Knowles explains why enforcing the law deters further law-breaking activism
- [18:02] – Interview with confused white protester; commentary on leftist guilt culture
- [20:06] – Protesters escalate to explicit threats against ICE and law enforcement
- [23:30] – Knowles’ critique of "venting" as public policy and his philosophical rationale
- [28:43], [31:19] – Vice President JD Vance’s press conference and media critique
- [32:41] – Oregon politicians’ anti-ICE stance and Knowles’ rebuttal
- [34:00] – UAE student funding withdrawal over UK radicalization risks
- [36:00] – Minnesota: Somali crime, child care fraud, and local political complicity
Tone and Language
- Tone: Combative, sarcastic, righteous indignation, with moments of moral clarity and empathy (especially regarding the loss of life and the manipulation of ordinary citizens).
- Language: Candid, pointed, with frequent use of rhetorical questions, analogies, and sharp wit.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode dissects the latest flashpoint in American culture wars: the shooting of a Minneapolis activist and the subsequent left-wing uproar and threats against ICE. Michael Knowles condemns misleading media coverage, accuses politicians of enabling protest anarchy, and calls for stern legal consequences against incitement to violence. Featuring a viral TikTok reaction, interviews with confused liberal protesters, and a press conference by Vice President JD Vance, the episode steers listeners through the dangers of radicalization, the importance of strict law enforcement, and the need for restoring order amid an increasingly unmoored protest climate. It ends with a broader critique of media manipulation and a plea for public clarity and honesty.