Listen to the article
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith confronted Utah Senator Mike Lee on Monday, telling him directly that his social media posts fueled misinformation about a shooting that claimed the life of her friend. Smith described Lee’s posts as “brutal and cruel” during their exchange, according to CNN reports.
The confrontation came after Lee shared conspiracy theories suggesting that the Minnesota assassin was a “Marxist” and blamed the state’s governor for the death of Melissa Hortman, the Democratic house speaker. These posts were part of a broader wave of false claims circulating online in the aftermath of the killings.
“He should think about the implications of what he’s saying and doing. It just further fuels this hatred and misinformation,” Smith said of her encounter with Lee. She emphasized her desire for him to hear firsthand how painful his words were following the brutal violence that shook her state. According to Smith, Lee said little during the confrontation and appeared surprised by the direct approach.
The shooting, which has rocked the political landscape in Minnesota, saw 57-year-old suspect Vance Luther Boelter allegedly kill Hortman and her husband, while also wounding state Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter was apprehended on Sunday.
Within hours of the shootings, a coordinated wave of misinformation spread across right-wing social media. Accounts with millions of followers manufactured conspiracy theories about the suspect and his motives, falsely portraying Boelter—described by friends as an evangelical Christian and Trump supporter—as a radical left-wing assassin and attempting to link him politically to Democratic Governor Tim Walz, the former vice-presidential candidate.
Collin Rugg, a prominent figure on X (formerly Twitter), advanced a theory to his followers that Hortman was killed over healthcare policy for undocumented immigrants, implying left-wing violence. He shared an emotional video of Hortman discussing a vote to repeal healthcare eligibility for undocumented adults, but crucially omitted that Hortman had supported this care and only voted for its repeal to secure a state budget deal in an evenly divided state House.
The misinformation escalated when right-wing social media personality Mike Cernovich suggested to his 1.5 million followers that Governor Walz had ordered the assassination. Despite contrary evidence emerging, Cernovich has not retracted his claims, instead doubling down by posting that “Democrats know they are now seen as the party of political violence.”
Laura Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist with connections to former President Trump, claimed “Walz’s goons are now assassinating lawmakers who support legislation Walz opposes” and labeled the Democratic party “a terrorist organization.” X owner Elon Musk amplified these narratives to his 200 million followers, claiming “the far left is murderously violent.”
These accusations ignore substantial evidence about Boelter’s actual political leanings. His roommate, David Carlson, told reporters that Boelter voted for Trump and “was a strong supporter” of the former president. Other longtime associates confirmed to local media that Boelter held right-leaning views. Records show he was registered as a Republican in Oklahoma in 2004.
Boelter’s recorded sermons reveal extremist views. While preaching in Congo in 2023, he stated: “The churches are so messed up, they don’t know abortion is wrong.” He also made derogatory comments about LGBTQ+ individuals, describing them as “confused” and claiming “the enemy has gotten so far into their mind and their soul.” His alleged hit list reportedly included abortion providers and pro-choice advocates.
Right-wing influencers seized on Boelter’s appointment to a state board, misleadingly describing him as a “Walz appointee” to suggest a personal relationship. In reality, Boelter was first appointed by Walz’s Democratic predecessor in 2016 to a 60-member volunteer advisory board. While Walz renewed the appointment in 2019, it was considered a routine administrative decision for one of hundreds of such positions, and Walz did not personally know Boelter.
Local Republican officials have largely distanced themselves from these conspiracy theories. Harry Niska, the Republican floor leader in the Minnesota House, stated on X that while he often criticizes Walz’s policies and rhetoric, “there is no responsible basis to attribute to him any of the evil acts committed by Vance Boelter.”
The incident highlights a concerning pattern in the political media ecosystem where narratives that serve political agendas are rapidly created following tragic events, regardless of accuracy, and rarely corrected when contradicting information emerges.
Fact Checker
Verify the accuracy of this article using The Disinformation Commission analysis and real-time sources.
11 Comments
This is a concerning situation. Spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories during a tragic event like this can further inflame tensions and exacerbate harm. It’s important for leaders to be responsible with their words and focus on facts, not fanning the flames of division.
This is a tragic event that deserves a measured, fact-based response. Spreading unverified conspiracy theories is irresponsible and counterproductive. Leaders need to focus on supporting the community, honoring the victims, and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric that could make the situation worse.
I agree. Responsible leadership and a commitment to the truth are essential during times of crisis and loss.
The spread of misinformation is deeply concerning, especially when it comes from elected officials. It’s critical that public figures exercise caution and restraint, and prioritize facts and compassion over partisan agendas. The victims and their families deserve our sincere condolences, not political grandstanding.
It’s troubling to see how quickly misinformation can take hold in the aftermath of a shocking incident. While the details are still emerging, public figures should be cautious about making unsubstantiated claims that could inflame an already volatile situation. Accuracy and empathy should be the priorities.
This is a tragic event that deserves a measured, fact-based response from our elected officials. Spreading unverified claims and conspiracy theories is not only irresponsible, but can also further inflame tensions and make the situation worse. We need leaders who will prioritize accuracy, empathy, and the well-being of the community.
While the details of this tragic event are still unfolding, it’s clear that responsible leadership and a commitment to the truth are paramount. Elected officials should be focusing on supporting the community, honoring the victims, and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric that could further divide people.
I appreciate Senator Smith’s direct approach in confronting her colleague. Elected officials have a duty to uphold the truth and avoid contributing to the spread of dangerous falsehoods, especially around sensitive issues. Responsible leadership is critical during difficult times.
This is a heartbreaking situation that demands a thoughtful, fact-based response. Spreading unverified conspiracy theories and misinformation is irresponsible and can exacerbate tensions. Public figures have a duty to uphold the truth and avoid contributing to the spread of harmful falsehoods.
It’s disturbing to see how quickly misinformation can take hold in the aftermath of a tragedy like this. While the details are still emerging, it’s crucial that leaders exercise caution and restraint, and prioritize facts, empathy, and responsible communication over partisan agendas.
Absolutely. Responsible leadership and a commitment to the truth are essential during times of crisis and loss.