WASHINGTON — Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Ken Martin likened mass protests in Iran to demonstrations in the US over the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent Sunday, accusing both governments of “terrorizing communities.”
Martin, who led the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party for 14 years before being elected DNC boss this past February, claimed that both countries are “killing protesters” and declared that “Minneapolis won’t be silent.”
“From Tehran to my birthplace of Minneapolis, people are rising up against systems that wield violence without accountability,” Martin posted on X.
“In Iran, brave protestors confront a far-right theocratic regime that crushes dissent and denies basic freedoms,” he continued. “Here at home, tens of thousands are marching after the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good- demanding justice, transparency, and an end to an unchecked federal force.”
At least 544 people have been killed and more than 10,681 arrested by the Islamic Republic since demonstrations began Dec. 28 amid a deepening economic crisis roiling the Shia regime, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.
Independent outlet Iran International has estimated that as many as 2,000 protesters have been killed.
Demonstrations initially broke out in cities across Iran due to frustration over soaring inflation, currency depreciation, and higher food prices, and quickly featured calls for the end of the theocratic regime and the return of the pre-1979 monarchy.
Tehran initially responded by cutting off internet access and international phone service before escalating to violence over the weekend.
Meanwhile, cities across the US saw protests over the weekend in response to the killing of Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer Jonathan Ross Jan. 7 after she accelerated her SUV toward him.
“If comparing the U.S. to Iran makes you angry, ask why. Killing protesters. Crushing dissent. Kidnapping and disappearing legal citizens. Ignoring courts. Threatening critics. Terrorizing communities,” Martin said in response to criticism of his incendiary comments.
“That’s authoritarian behavior—anywhere. If you’re rushing to defend it, maybe the problem isn’t the comparison. Trump keeps pushing it, Americans aren’t buying it, and Minneapolis won’t be silent.”
One critic accused Martin of “encouraging violence” with his remarks.
“Hey, MAGA ghoul, no one is ‘encouraging violence.’ We’re encouraging the rule of law,” Martin snapped back on X.
“If that scares you, maybe stop defending people who break it like your failing President and his Barbie Homeland Security director. See you at the ballot box in 2026.”
