Fact Check: After receiving backlash for his initial posts, Senator Mike Lee issued a statement on his official Senate account condemning the violence and calling for prayers for the victims and their families.

Fact Check: Senator Mike Lee's Statement on Violence After Backlash

What We Know

Following the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Senator Mike Lee of Utah faced significant backlash for his initial social media posts. In these posts, he appeared to mock the tragedy, stating, “This is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way,” and referred to the incident as “Nightmare on Waltz Street,” a jab at Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz (source-1).

After receiving widespread criticism, Lee issued a more measured statement on his official Senate account, condemning the violence and calling for prayers for the victims and their families. He stated, “These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America. Please join me in condemning this senseless violence, and praying for the victims and their families” (source-1; source-3).

Analysis

The claim that Senator Mike Lee issued a statement condemning the violence and calling for prayers for the victims is accurate. His official statement, which came after significant backlash from both the public and fellow lawmakers, aligns with the expected response from an elected official in the wake of such a tragic event. Critics, including Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota, confronted Lee about his initial posts, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with his platform (source-1; source-4).

While Lee's later statement reflects a standard political response to violence, it is important to note that it came only after he faced significant criticism for his earlier remarks, which many viewed as inappropriate and inflammatory (source-5). The juxtaposition of his initial comments and subsequent statement raises questions about his sincerity and the motivations behind his public communications.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the primary one being a report from The New York Times, a reputable news organization known for its rigorous fact-checking and journalistic standards. Other sources, including Politico and The Hill, also provide reliable accounts of the events surrounding Lee's statements.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
Senator Mike Lee did issue a statement on his official Senate account condemning the violence and calling for prayers for the victims and their families after facing backlash for his initial posts. The evidence clearly supports this claim, as his later statement was documented and widely reported by multiple credible news outlets.

Sources

1. Mike Lee Draws Outrage for Posts Blaming Assassination on the Far Left
2. 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators - Wikipedia
3. Mike Lee confronted by Minnesota colleague over shooting comments
4. Klobuchar condemns Mike Lee's claims about Minnesota suspect
5. GOP senator's Minnesota assassination comments spark backlash
6. What Did Mike Lee Say? MAGA Senator Condemned for 'Despicable ...
7. Trump and other Republicans mock Democrats after ...
8. Mike Lee (@SenMikeLee) / X