UPDATE: Democratic leaders are urgently condemning President Donald Trump for incendiary claims regarding the tragic death of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. In posts shared on Truth Social, Trump suggested that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was involved in Hortman’s assassination, igniting outrage among political leaders.
The statements come following the shocking murder of Hortman and her husband on June 14, 2023, in their Brooklyn Park home. Authorities report that the couple was shot by Vance Boelter, who faces serious state and federal charges for their deaths as well as the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter is currently detained in Sherburne County.
House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson expressed his anguish, stating, “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.”
Stephenson, who had a close friendship with Hortman, emphasized that she was “murdered by a right-wing, anti-abortion extremist” and condemned those spreading false narratives about her and Governor Walz.
In a joint statement, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, leaders of the Democratic Governors Association, criticized Trump for “spreading dangerous and hateful lies.” They urged all political leaders to come together to combat division and political violence rather than endorse conspiracy theories that could endanger lives.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy labeled Trump’s posts as “soulless,” reinforcing that the very individual charged with the Hortmans’ murder trafficked in conspiracy theories similar to those endorsed by Trump. Murphy warned, “Lying about the assassinations of the Hortmans puts people in danger and fans the flames of political violence.”
As the nation grapples with the impact of political discourse on public safety, Beshear and Whitmer further called for bipartisan condemnation of Trump’s remarks, emphasizing the need for solidarity in this time of grief.
In response, Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth remarked, “Melissa Hortman was a friend and colleague, and her life was cut short far too soon in an unspeakable act of evil.” She added that the perpetrator must face justice, underscoring the deep loss felt by the community.
As this situation develops, the focus remains on the urgent need for accountability in political rhetoric and the impact it carries. The emotional toll on families and communities affected by violence is becoming increasingly evident, and leaders are urged to prioritize healing over division.
The implications of Trump’s statements are profound, as they not only affect the families involved but also set a concerning precedent in political discourse. With the looming gubernatorial race in Minnesota, the stakes are higher than ever for leaders to address these issues with the seriousness they deserve.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as authorities and community leaders continue to respond to the fallout from these controversial claims.
