6 MN federal prosecutors resign amid investigation into Renee Good's widow: report

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports on a significant staffing upheaval at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, where the lead prosecutor overseeing major fraud investigations has resigned along with five colleagues.

According to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul, U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson stepped down from his position. The station cites reporting from The New York Times, which indicates that five additional prosecutors also resigned. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports that sources with knowledge of the decision cited the Justice Department’s push to investigate the widow of Renee Good—a woman killed by an ICE agent—and the department’s reluctance to investigate the shooter as reasons for the departures.

In response to the news, Senator Amy Klobuchar publicly thanked Thompson for his service as U.S. Attorney. FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul captures Klobuchar emphasizing Thompson’s role not only in the ongoing fraud investigations but also in his handling of other significant cases affecting Minnesota communities.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports that Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara, who has collaborated with Thompson on numerous cases, characterized the loss as particularly damaging to the fraud prosecution efforts. According to the station, O’Hara suggested that Thompson’s departure signals a shift away from prosecuting fraud cases.

Governor Tim Walz released a statement that FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul includes in its reporting, calling Thompson “a principled public servant” who spent over a decade achieving justice. However, FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul also notes an apparent contradiction: the week prior, Governor Walz had made critical comments about a U.S. Attorney standing up and speculating without factual basis, which he characterized as defamation. A Walz spokesperson clarified to FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul that these comments referred to newly appointed U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, not Thompson.

Regarding the alleged push to investigate Renee Good’s widow and the refusal to investigate the ICE agent, FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul reports that the U.S. Department of Justice declined to substantiate these concerns. According to the station, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanch responded with a statement indicating there is currently no basis for a criminal or civil rights investigation.

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul notes that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota now faces significant staffing challenges with six attorneys departed, leaving questions about the continuity and future of ongoing investigations. The station reports that Senator Klobuchar indicated other talented attorneys remain in the office.

In FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul’s Own Words

“Joe Thompson has stepped down. The New York Times reporting five others have also stepped away.”

“When you lose the leader responsible for making those cases, it signals that this isn’t about prosecuting fraud.”

“There is currently no basis for a criminal civil rights investigation.”