Background: The Tragic Assassination of Melissa Hortman
What Did Mike Lee Say About Melissa Hartman? On June 14, 2025, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in a politically motivated assassination at their home in Brooklyn Park. The suspect, Vance Boelter, also targeted other Democratic officials, including State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Hortman’s beloved dog, Gilbert, also suffered fatal injuries in the attack and was later euthanized.
What Did Mike Lee Say? His Social Media Posts and Allegations
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) took to X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the shootings to post two highly controversial messages:
- “Nightmare on Waltz Street” — a pun involving Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
- “This is what happens… When Marxists don’t get their way.” — accompanied by an image of the suspect from the FBI’s wanted poster.
He pinned the second post to his profile, ensuring it was prominently visible.
Why His Statements Sparked Outrage
Much of the backlash stemmed from the evident lack of basis in labeling Boelter a “Marxist.” Several fact-checking outlets, including PolitiFact, rated the claim “Pants on Fire,” stressing that available evidence showed Boelter was politically right-leaning—he was reportedly a conservative, Trump supporter, and evangelical Christian.
Opponents argued Lee’s posts politicized a horrific tragedy, spreading misinformation and inflicting additional emotional pain on grieving communities.
Reactions from Minnesota Lawmakers: Confrontation and Condemnation
Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
Smith, a close friend of Hortman, confronted Lee directly. According to reporting by The Guardian, she told him:
“Joking about an assassin killing people is beyond the pale.”
She emphasized how hurtful his posts were—not only disrespectful to Hortman but to all mourning Minnesotans. Smith called for empathy and accountability, noting Lee deleted the posts but never apologized.
Ed Shelleby, Tina Smith’s Deputy Chief of Staff
In a scathing email to Lee’s office, Shelleby denounced the senator’s posts as “heartless,” “unconscionable,” and “very likely untrue.” He described the additional grief caused on an already traumatic weekend and called on Lee to reflect on those lost:
“Why would you use the awesome power of a United States Senate Office to compound people’s grief?”
Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Labeling Lee’s posts as “beyond disgusting,” Klobuchar condemned their tastelessness and highlighted the suffering caused by politicizing the tragedy. She noted that even Minnesota Republicans strongly criticized Lee’s online commentary.
Escalation: Lee Avoids Accountability
Following the backlash, when approached by reporters, Lee eluded questions about his posts. Footage captured him and his staff walking away—one aide even tried shielding the camera with an iPad
Despite requests, Lee has not issued an apology, retraction, or explanation, fueling further calls for political and moral accountability.
The Broader Context: Political Violence and Misinformation
These events occurred amid heightened concerns over threats to elected officials, and a disturbing normalization of political violence. The shooter, Boelter, had compiled a hit list that included abortion providers and Democratic lawmakers—even targeting Senator Smith herself
Lee’s social media commentary amplified misinformation at a moment when clarity, compassion, and fact-based discourse were critically needed.
Summary Table: Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lee’s Statements | Quaint and inflammatory posts mislabeling the assassin as a “Marxist” and mocking Governor Walz. |
| Backlash Triggered By | Lack of evidence, politicization of tragedy, immediate grief among Minnesota lawmakers and residents. |
| Reactions | Harsh criticism from Minnesota Senators (Smith, Klobuchar), staff, local Republicans, and media. |
| Lee’s Response | Deleted posts, refused to apologize or explain, avoided media inquiries and public accountability. |
| Larger Implications | Highlights the need for responsible public discourse, especially amid rising threats to public servants and increasing polarization. |
In conclusion, Senator Mike Lee’s remarks regarding Melissa Hortman’s assassination ignited widespread condemnation for their insensitivity, factual inaccuracy, and lack of accountability. The episode underscores the danger of political grandstanding amid tragedy and raises broader concerns about integrity and emotion in public discourse.
