URGENT UPDATE: Democratic leaders are denouncing President Donald Trump for sharing inflammatory posts on Truth Social, suggesting that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was involved in the assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. This shocking allegation has sparked outrage among political figures and citizens alike.
The posts, made public on Saturday, come in the wake of the tragic deaths of Hortman and her husband, who were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14. The couple’s dog also succumbed to injuries from the attack. Authorities have charged Vance Boelter with state and federal offenses related to their deaths and the shootings of Senator John Hoffman and his wife that same night. Boelter is currently held in Sherburne County.
House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson, a close friend of Hortman, expressed his devastation, stating, “Tonight, Donald Trump…is spreading outrageous lies about her death. I cannot begin to explain the pain and anger that he is causing.” He emphasized that Hortman and Walz were allies, dismissing Trump’s claims as lies.
In a joint statement, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, leaders of the Democratic Governors Association, condemned Trump’s actions, declaring they “condemn, in the strongest possible terms, President Trump’s spreading of dangerous and hateful lies about our friend and colleague Governor Tim Walz.” They stressed the responsibility of leaders to unite communities rather than promote division through unfounded conspiracy theories.
Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy labeled Trump’s posts as “soulless,” arguing that they endanger lives. She stated, “Lying about the assassinations of the Hortmans puts people in danger and fans the flames of political violence.” Murphy called on every Minnesota Republican to denounce these dangerous lies.
As calls for accountability grow, Beshear and Whitmer urged their fellow leaders, regardless of party affiliation, to stand against Trump’s claims. They highlighted the need for unity in safeguarding communities from threats, particularly political violence.
Responding on Sunday, Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Springs, expressed her sorrow over the tragedy. “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,” she stated. Demuth, who is running for governor against Walz, emphasized the need for justice.
The fallout from Trump’s misleading allegations is ongoing, with many demanding a swift response to hold him accountable. As this story develops, the implications for Minnesota’s political landscape and the broader national conversation on political rhetoric remain critical to watch.
