The emotional fallout continues following the tragic assassination of Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman. Her children have publicly addressed President Donald Trump, urging him to retract a social media post. This post is said to endorse a harmful conspiracy theory linked to their mother’s tragic death and the injuries of others.
Background on the Tragedy
On June 14, Melissa Hortman, the former Democratic speaker of the Minnesota House, was shot and killed at her home. She died alongside her husband, Mark, and their golden retriever, Gilbert. A gunman impersonated a police officer to gain entry. Additionally, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were attacked but survived.
Trump’s Controversial Social Media Post
Recently, President Trump shared a video on his platform, Truth Social. The video involved unfounded assertions about the involvement of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in Hortman’s assassination. It falsely claimed that Vance Boelter, the identified shooter, targeted Ms. Hortman for opposing health care for undocumented immigrants.
Conspiracy Theories and Their Consequences
Authorities noted that Boelter, currently pleading not guilty, was immersed in conspiracy theories before the incident. His claims included a supposed conspiracy linking Walz to the shootings. Moreover, the video Trump shared claimed that Ms. Hortman was aware of a fraudulent scheme connected to the state but provided no evidence.
Impact on the Family
In a heartfelt statement, Melissa Hortman’s son, Colin, condemned the sharing of misinformation. He expressed that the video escalates political division and deepens their grief. Colin specifically requested an apology from Trump, stating that “sharing fake news is dangerous.”
Reactions from Political Figures
- Governor Walz, close to Ms. Hortman, described Trump’s repost as “dangerous, depraved behavior.”
- Ms. Hortman’s children criticized Trump and Republicans for misrepresenting her final legislative vote, which was a difficult decision for her.
Sophie Hortman, Melissa’s daughter, emphasized that the vote was a deeply challenging choice, not one made with malice. She articulated the emotional toll the video has caused, calling it a “painful, false twisting” of her mother’s intentions.
Current Status of the Post
As of the latest updates, Trump’s post remains live on Truth Social, with no response from the White House on this sensitive issue. The family’s plea highlights the necessity for accountability in political discourse, especially following acts of violence fueled by misinformation.
