Fact Check: "Senator Mike Lee posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) stating, 'These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America' following public outrage over his earlier comments."
What We Know
Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, faced significant backlash after making controversial posts on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the assassination of Minnesota Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman. Initially, Lee posted messages that appeared to mock the situation, stating, “This is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way,” accompanied by images of the suspect, and later referred to the incident as “Nightmare on Waltz Street,” a jab at Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz (source).
In response to the public outrage that ensued, Lee later issued a statement on his official Senate account, declaring, “These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America” and urged people to condemn the violence and pray for the victims and their families (source, source).
Analysis
The claim that Senator Mike Lee posted the message condemning violence is accurate. His statement came after a wave of criticism for his earlier posts, which many interpreted as insensitive and politically charged given the context of the assassination. The timing of his condemnation—issued after the backlash—suggests a reactive rather than proactive stance on the issue.
The sources reporting on this incident are credible, including major news outlets like The New York Times and local news sources, which provide detailed accounts of the events and reactions from other politicians, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, who condemned Lee's initial comments (source, source). The backlash included strong reactions from various political figures and the public, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding political violence and its implications in the current political climate.
While Lee's later statement aligns with a standard political response to violence, it raises questions about the sincerity of his initial comments and whether the condemnation was genuinely felt or merely a reaction to public pressure. The initial posts were widely criticized for their tone and implications, which could undermine the credibility of his subsequent statement (source).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
Senator Mike Lee did post the message stating, "These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America" following public outrage over his earlier comments. This statement was made after significant backlash to his initial posts, which were perceived as mocking a tragic event. The evidence supports the claim, as it is documented in multiple credible sources.
Sources
- Mike Lee Draws Outrage for Posts Blaming Assassination ... New York Times
- 'This is not a joke': Sen. Amy Klobuchar rips Mike Lee for ... Salt Lake Tribune
- GOP Senator Slammed for 'Joking' About Minnesota… INKL
