Why Russell Fry Got This All Wrong

After retiring from the Navy with 20 years of service, I spent years training local law enforcement agencies and the FBI in de-escalation techniques and community policing. I've worked directly with officer, teaching them how to handle volatile situations without resorting to deadly force, how to build trust with communities they serve, and how to make split-second decisions that protect both officer safety and civilian lives.

I understand the challenges law enforcement face. I know the training, the protocols, and the immense pressure officers are under in dangerous situations. I also know what proper procedure looks like—and when it's been violated.

THE FACTS: WHAT WE KNOW

On January 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, ICE agent Jonathan Ross fatally shot 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good during a confrontation. Multiple video recordings of the incident exist, including footage from the officer's own cell phone.

That's the neutral baseline that everyone can agree on. Beyond that, we have different narratives about what happened and why. The video evidence exists. But different people interpret it differently. That is exactly why we need proper investigations—not rushed judgments from politicians.

MY POSITION: LET AN INVESTIGATION WORK

My main position is simple: it is irresponsible for any public official to spin a tragedy like this for political gain before the facts are fully established through proper investigation.

When we just look at a video and determine that this is murder or that this is justified, we just throw due process out the window. Why bother with investigations, or if a trial comes out of that investigation, due process? This should be investigated, impartially, with a co-team made up of impartial state and federal experts.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE FBI'S ACTIONS

A fundamental principle of justice in this country is that investigations should be thorough, transparent, and independent. That's why what's happening in Minneapolis is so concerning.

The FBI has blocked Minnesota state investigators from accessing evidence, witness interviews, or investigative notes. This breaks with standard procedure used in officer-involved shootings.   Minnesota officials, including the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and Attorney General Keith Ellison, have said they cannot bring charges without federal cooperation. This is not how our system is supposed to work.

The American people deserve transparency. The family of Renee Good deserves answers. And the rule of law demands that investigations be conducted without political interference.

WHY RUSSELL FRY GOT IT WRONG

And this brings me to Russell Fry's response, which is deeply troubling.

When the administration immediately began pushing a narrative about "domestic terrorism" and "professional agitators," Russell Fry didn't wait for evidence. He didn't call for an impartial investigation. He didn't respect the due process that our justice system relies on.

Instead, he immediately rubber-stamped the administration's narrative. Russell Fry added his own comment: "Violent extremists tried to attack federal law enforcement officers carrying out lawful ICE operations today... I stand firmly with ICE…"

This is irresponsible. It's dangerous. And it betrays the trust that South Carolinians place in their elected representatives.

When you are an elected official like Russell Fry, when you represent the people of South Carolina's 7th District in Congress, you have a higher responsibility. You should not be rushing to judgment. You should not be amplifying unproven narratives. You should not be using a tragic shooting to score political points.

The proper response from any responsible elected official would have been: "This is a tragic situation. My heart goes out to the family of Renee Good. I support a full, impartial investigation conducted jointly by state and federal authorities, and I will respect the findings of that investigation regardless of the outcome."

That's what leadership looks like. That's what respect for due process looks like.

SOUTH CAROLINA DESERVES BETTER

I'm John Vincent, and I'm running for Congress because South Carolina's 7th District deserves a representative who understands law enforcement, who respects due process, and who won't rush to judgment for political gain.

I spent my career serving this country—first in the Navy, then training the very law enforcement officers who keep our communities safe. I know the difference between responsible leadership and irresponsible politicking.

Russell Fry chose to prioritize political loyalty over truth and due process. I will choose accountability, transparency, and respect for our justice system.

This isn't about being "tough on crime" or "soft on crime." It's about being smart on justice. It's about following the process that protects everyone's rights. It's about leadership that South Carolinians can be proud of.

I'm asking for your support to bring that kind of leadership to Congress.

#VincentForCongress #SC7 #SouthCarolina #PeopleOverPolitics #LeadershipMatters