Fact Check: Right-wing influencers falsely linked Boelter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz
What We Know
In the aftermath of the tragic shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, several conservative influencers spread unsubstantiated claims linking the suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Authorities identified Boelter as the shooter, and shortly thereafter, figures such as Benny Johnson, Rogan O’Handley, and Mike Cernovich began to suggest that Boelter was a left-wing extremist acting with the governor's approval. They claimed that Walz had a close relationship with Boelter due to his appointment to a state board focused on workforce development, which Walz reappointed him to in 2019 (PolitiFact, Star Tribune).
However, there is no evidence that Walz and Boelter had any significant personal relationship. A spokesperson for Walz clarified that the governor's office appoints numerous individuals from various political backgrounds to external boards and commissions, emphasizing that these appointments do not imply close ties or influence (PolitiFact, Star Tribune).
Analysis
The claims made by right-wing influencers regarding Boelter's connection to Governor Walz are not supported by credible evidence. The assertion that Walz had a personal relationship with Boelter is unfounded, as the governor's office stated that Boelter was appointed to a bipartisan advisory board, which does not equate to a personal connection or endorsement of his actions (PolitiFact, Star Tribune).
The influencers involved have a history of promoting misinformation, which raises concerns about their credibility. For instance, Cernovich speculated that Walz might have "ordered a hit," a claim that lacks any factual basis and is indicative of the sensationalist narratives often propagated by certain right-wing commentators (PolitiFact, Yahoo News).
Moreover, the narrative that Boelter was a left-wing extremist is contradicted by evidence indicating that he had voted for Republican candidates and held conservative views, further undermining the claims made by these influencers (Star Tribune, Al Jazeera).
Conclusion
The claim that right-wing influencers falsely linked Vance Boelter to Governor Tim Walz is True. The evidence indicates that while Boelter was appointed to a workforce development board by Walz, there is no substantial connection between them, nor any evidence that Walz had any involvement in the shootings. The narratives propagated by certain influencers are based on speculation and misinformation rather than factual reporting.
Sources
- Fact-checking unsubstantiated claims linking Gov. Walz to Minnesota lawmakers’ shootings
- Did Vance Boelter have close ties to Gov. Tim Walz? No.
- Influencers baselessly implicate Governor Tim Walz in Minnesota shootings
- How the right spread 'brutal and cruel' misinformation after Minnesota lawmaker killings
- How US senator falsely claimed Minnesota shooting suspect was Marxist
- 'Psyop': How Far-Right Conspiracy Theories About the Minnesota Shooting
- How Minnesota shooting conspiracy theories hijacked social media
- Sen. Mike Lee takes down X posts after widespread criticism
