DNC Chair Ken Martin draws parallels between US protests and Iran's crackdown

WASHINGTON, DC: Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin compared protests in the United States to ongoing demonstrations in Iran, accusing both governments of using violence against civilians.

In a series of social media posts published on Sunday, January 11, Martin linked nationwide protests over the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis to Iran’s deadly crackdown on anti-regime demonstrators.

His remarks prompted sharp criticism online and drew responses from Martin defending his comparison. The comments came as unrest continued in Iran and as President Donald Trump signaled possible US action over the violence there.

Ken Martin calls for solidarity against authoritarian power

Martin, who previously led Minnesota’s Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party for 14 years before becoming DNC chair in February, posted on X that protests in Iran and the United States reflected resistance to what he described as unchecked state violence.

“From Tehran to my birthplace of Minneapolis, people are rising up against systems that wield violence without accountability,” Martin wrote.

“In Iran, brave protestors confront a far-right theocratic regime that crushes dissent and denies basic freedoms. 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 that takes lives and tears families apart,” he continued. 

He added in a subsequent post that, “Solidarity across borders means opposing authoritarian power everywhere and defending the right to live free from fear and state violence.”

Martin’s remarks followed protests in Minneapolis and other US cities after Good was killed on January 7 by ICE officer Jonathan Ross. Authorities have said that the shooting occurred after Good accelerated her SUV toward the agent.

The DNC chair’s comparison drew criticism online, including one user who wrote, “This attempt to equivocate these two situations is legit the dumbest s**t posted on the internet today.”

Martin responded directly, defending his position. “If comparing the US to Iran makes you angry, ask why. Killing protesters. Crushing dissent. Kidnapping and disappearing legal citizens. Ignoring courts. Threatening critics. T********g communities,” Martin wrote.

“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,” he added.

Iran unrest continues as Trump signals possible US action 

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency, at least 544 people have been killed and more than 10,681 arrested since the protests began. Independent outlet Iran International has estimated the death toll could be as high as 2,000.

Trump addressed the situation over the weekend, telling reporters aboard Air Force One that Iranian leaders had contacted him to negotiate following US warnings over the treatment of protesters.

“Iran wants to negotiate, yes. We may meet with them,” Trump said, adding that the United States might need to “act” before any meeting takes place. He also said the administration was considering “strong options,” without detailing what actions were under review.

In a Truth Social post earlier this month, Trump wrote that the US was “locked and loaded and ready” to help Iranian protesters if the regime continued to violently suppress demonstrations. Iranian officials have warned that any US attack would prompt retaliation against American and Israeli targets.