Trump amplifies false claims about Melissa Hortman's murder
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Hortman, hailed as one of the most consequential speakers in history, was killed alongside her husband and dog in what officials called a politically motivated assassination. Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images
Top Minnesota Democrats are condemning President Trump for amplifying false claims about the murder of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman.
Driving the news: On Saturday, Trump shared a Truth Social post and video that promotes unsubstantiated conspiracy theories tying Hortman's June 14 slaying to Gov. Tim Walz and alleged fraud in state programs.
What they're saying: Walz, who considered Hortman a friend and political ally, blasted the post as "dangerous, depraved behavior from the sitting president of the United States."
- "In covering for an actual serial killer, he is going to get more innocent people killed," the DFL governor wrote on X.
- Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy called the post "soulless," and said such lies put "people in danger and fans the flames of political violence."
- House DFL Leader Zack Stephenson called on Republicans to condemn the "outrageous lies" about the murder of his friend and mentor.
Reality check: While prosecutors have not publicly identified a specific motive for the attacks, there is no evidence linking Walz, fraud, or a budget vote Hortman took.
- Authorities say Vance Boelter, the man charged with murdering Hortman and her husband and gravely injuring another DFL lawmaker and his wife, had compiled a target list that included other elected Democrats and abortion rights supporters.
- The White House did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
Flashback: In the days following the attacks, prominent MAGA figures amplified false rumors that Boelter, who friends described as a strong Trump supporter, was a Democrat to paint the left as dangerous.
- A letter Boelter allegedly wrote to the FBI ahead of his capture contained grandiose claims that Walz was involved in his plot. That letter further fueled conspiracy theories.
- Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson called the writings "delusional" and said the letter also included falsehoods about the suspect's own background.
- Boelter, who pleaded not guilty, has claimed to reporters his actions were connected to his "investigation" into COVID-19 vaccine safety.
For the record: Boelter was reappointed to a state workforce board with dozens of members by Walz in 2019, but there's no indication the two had a personal connection.
- Boelter listed his political affiliation as "none or other" in state forms and once registered as a Republican in Oklahoma.
The big picture: An intensified focus on fraud in Minnesota has revived false claims about Hortman's slaying, with discredited theories gaining traction from large accounts.
- Several current and former GOP legislators, including Sen. Julia Coleman and former Rep. Pat Garofalo, have pushed back against the false posts and called for a de-escalation of heated political rhetoric.
What we're watching: Hortman's adult children, Colin and Sophie Hortman, in a statement Sunday asked Trump to remove the post, which they called "another hurdle our family must overcome in grieving the loss" of their parents.
- "My father and mother, Mark and Melissa Hortman, and their dog Gilbert, were killed by a man who believed conspiracy theories and fake news," Colin Hortman said. "Words matter. Sharing fake news is dangerous."
Editor's note: This article has been updated with comment from Colin and Sophie Hortman.