A deadly political shooting in Minnesota has left lawmakers shaken and residents stunned, while President Trump’s pointed refusal to contact Governor Tim Walz has reignited controversy over his crisis leadership.
At a Glance
- A gunman killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, wounded Sen. John Hoffman and his wife
- The attacker posed as a police officer and targeted multiple Minnesota lawmakers
- Trump dismissed calls to contact Gov. Walz, calling him “whacked out” and a “waste of time”
- Authorities recovered weapons and a political target list from the suspect’s vehicle
- The shootings triggered statewide shelter-in-place orders and security concerns for officials
Chilling Political Violence Rocks Minnesota
On June 14, a politically motivated attack claimed the lives of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and seriously injured Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. The suspect, Vance Boelter, disguised as a police officer, allegedly carried out the shootings after compiling a list of about 70 political targets, according to AP News.
Authorities found multiple firearms—including AK-47s—and explosives in Boelter’s vehicle. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz described the assault as a “politically motivated assassination,” warning that elected officials nationwide face growing threats, reported NBC News.
Trump Dismisses Call to Support Walz
In a stunning break with presidential norms, Trump refused to contact Gov. Walz after the attack, telling reporters: “[He’s] whacked out. It would be a waste of time,” according to CNN.
Presidents have traditionally reached out to Governors during crises, offering unity and federal assistance. Trump’s comments drew criticism from both parties, with Minnesota officials calling the snub “deeply disappointing” as the state grapples with the aftermath, reported Politico.
Rising Threats Spur Urgent Action
The FBI reports a troubling surge in political threats, with more than 9,000 credible cases logged against U.S. lawmakers in 2024 alone, according to The Washington Post. In Minnesota, protests were suspended and heightened security measures enacted after the attack.
Gov. Walz and Sen. Amy Klobuchar are urging new federal protections for elected officials and condemning incendiary rhetoric that may inspire violence. The debate now turns to whether America’s political climate will cool—or if partisan divides will deepen in the face of tragedy.
As Minnesota mourns, the implications for national politics—and for presidential crisis leadership—remain in sharp focus.
