URGENT UPDATE: Democratic leaders are vehemently condemning President Donald Trump for his shocking claims on Truth Social, implying that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was involved in the tragic death of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman. These incendiary remarks come less than a month after Hortman and her husband were brutally murdered in their Brooklyn Park home on June 14, 2023.
House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson expressed his outrage on Saturday night, 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.” The couple was shot in a horrific act of violence, with their dog also succumbing to injuries from the attack.
The alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, is facing state and federal charges for their deaths, as well as in connection with shootings targeting Senator John Hoffman and his wife the same night. He is currently detained in Sherburne County.
Stephenson, deeply connected to Hortman, stated, “She was murdered by a right-wing, anti-abortion extremist who believed conspiracy theories about COVID. Melissa Hortman and Tim Walz were friends and allies. Anyone who claims otherwise is lying.”
In a joint statement, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, leaders within the Democratic Governors Association, strongly denounced Trump’s comments. “As leaders, it is our responsibility to bring people together and keep our communities safe from threats, including the threat of political violence,” they declared.
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy called Trump’s posts “soulless,” warning that they only serve to fan the flames of division and political violence. “Lying about the assassinations of the Hortmans puts people in danger,” she said. Murphy urged all Minnesota Republicans to reject Trump’s dangerous rhetoric and stand for truth.
The tragic loss of Melissa Hortman has left a profound impact on the Minnesota community, with many officials mourning her untimely death. When asked for a 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 by a deranged killer.”
As political tensions rise, this developing story continues to unfold. Democratic leaders are calling for unity and truth in the face of baseless conspiracy theories that threaten to deepen divisions within the community. The ramifications of Trump’s statements are likely to resonate in the political landscape as the upcoming governor’s race approaches.
Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.
