BREAKING: Democratic leaders swiftly condemn President Donald Trump for spreading harmful conspiracy theories regarding the tragic death of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump insinuated that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was involved in Hortman’s assassination, igniting outrage among state officials and beyond.
On June 14, 2023, Hortman and her husband were tragically shot in their Brooklyn Park home, a heinous crime that also claimed the life of their dog. The suspect, Vance Boelter, faces both state and federal charges for this shocking incident and the related shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife that same night. He is currently held in Sherburne County.
House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson, a close friend of Hortman, expressed his deep anguish: “Tonight, Donald Trump, who couldn’t be bothered to lower the flags to half staff or even say Melissa Hortman’s name until now, is spreading outrageous lies about her death. I cannot begin to explain the pain and anger that he is causing.” His statement highlights the emotional toll on those mourning Hortman’s loss.
In a joint statement, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, leaders of the Democratic Governors Association, condemned Trump’s remarks as “dangerous and hateful lies.” They emphasized the need for unity among leaders: “As leaders, it is our responsibility to bring people together and keep our communities safe from threats, including the threat of political violence.”
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy criticized Trump’s posts as “soulless,” linking them directly to the dangerous conspiracy theories propagated by Boelter, the alleged killer. “Lying about the assassinations of the Hortmans puts people in danger and fans the flames of political violence,” Murphy stated. She called for all Minnesota Republicans to reject Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
The outrage escalated Sunday, with calls for bipartisan condemnation of Trump’s claims. Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, a Republican, acknowledged the tragedy, stating, “Melissa Hortman was a friend and colleague, and her life was cut short far too soon in an unspeakable act of evil by a deranged killer.” Demuth is currently in a gubernatorial race against Walz, yet her remarks reflected a shared grief across party lines.
As this situation develops, the focus remains on the impact of such inflammatory statements on communities grappling with loss. The call for unity and truth from leaders is stronger than ever, with many urging immediate action against the spread of falsehoods that could incite further violence.
What’s Next: As reactions continue to pour in, officials are urging all political leaders to prioritize the truth and support those affected by this tragedy. The community remains in mourning, with a pressing need for solidarity in the face of divisive and harmful rhetoric.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more voices join the call for accountability and healing.
