UPDATE: Democratic leaders are vehemently condemning President Donald Trump’s recent claims on Truth Social that suggest Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was involved in the assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. This alarming statement comes just days after the tragic shooting incident that claimed Hortman’s life on June 14 in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
In a powerful statement released Saturday night, House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson expressed his outrage, saying, “Tonight, Donald Trump… is spreading outrageous lies about her death. I cannot begin to explain the pain and anger that he is causing.” This comes after Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their home, along with their dog, during a brutal attack.
The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, faces multiple state and federal charges, including the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife that same night. He is currently held in Sherburne County awaiting trial.
Stephenson, who was a close friend of Hortman, emphasized that her murder was perpetrated by a “right-wing, anti-abortion extremist” who espoused dangerous conspiracy theories about COVID-19. He insisted that claims of any discord between Hortman and Walz are false, stating, “Melissa Hortman and Tim Walz were friends and allies. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying.”
The condemnation from Democratic leaders did not stop with Stephenson. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, vice chair, also denounced Trump’s comments. They stated, “We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, President Trump’s spreading of dangerous and hateful lies about our friend and colleague Governor Tim Walz.”
Their statement reinforced the need for unity, stating, “As leaders, it is our responsibility to bring people together and keep our communities safe from threats, including the threat of political violence.” They urged leaders across all political lines to reject Trump’s divisive remarks.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy labeled Trump’s posts as “soulless,” highlighting the risk such conspiracy theories pose. “Lying about the assassinations of the Hortmans puts people in danger and fans the flames of political violence,” Murphy stated, calling on every Minnesota Republican to condemn Trump’s rhetoric.
In a response to the controversy, Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth 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, who is running for governor against Walz, emphasized that the man who took Hortman’s life should face severe consequences.
As this situation develops, the stark divide between political leaders over the rhetoric surrounding Hortman’s death highlights the escalating tensions in American politics. With the memory of Hortman still fresh in the minds of her colleagues and constituents, the call for unity and truth remains critical.
This story is ongoing, and further developments are expected as political leaders continue to respond. Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent issue.
