Fact Check: Senator Mike Lee posted a photo of Boelter in a latex mask with a caption implying a connection to the murder of Melissa Hortman.

Fact Check: Senator Mike Lee's Controversial Post on Melissa Hortman's Murder

What We Know

On June 16, 2025, Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, posted a photo of Vance Boelter, the alleged murderer of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman, wearing a latex mask. The caption accompanying the image read, “This is what happens… When Marxists don’t get their way” (source-1). This post sparked significant backlash, particularly from Minnesota officials and the public, who criticized Lee for his inflammatory remarks in the wake of a tragic event that resulted in the deaths of Hortman, her husband, and their dog (source-3).

In response to the outrage, Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, confronted Lee about his comments, labeling them as “brutal and cruel” and urging him to consider the implications of his statements (source-5). An email from a senior staffer in Smith’s office expressed deep concern over the additional pain Lee's comments caused, emphasizing that many in the office had personal connections to Hortman (source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Senator Mike Lee posted a photo of Boelter with a caption implying a connection to the murder of Melissa Hortman is supported by multiple credible sources. His post was widely reported and criticized for its insensitivity, especially given the context of the violent crime that had just occurred (source-4).

Critically, the assertion that Boelter was a "Marxist" is contested; evidence suggests that he held conservative views, which raises questions about Lee's motivations in making such a claim (source-6). The backlash from both political figures and the public indicates a significant disapproval of Lee's framing of the situation, which many viewed as an attempt to politicize a tragedy for partisan gain (source-7).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is high, as they include established news organizations and direct quotes from involved parties, such as Senator Smith and her staff. These sources provide a comprehensive view of the fallout from Lee's post, indicating a consensus on the inappropriateness of his comments (source-8).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
Senator Mike Lee did post a photo of Vance Boelter in a latex mask with a caption that implied a connection to the murder of Melissa Hortman. The context and content of his post have been widely reported and criticized, confirming the accuracy of the claim. The backlash from various stakeholders underscores the insensitivity of his remarks in light of the tragedy.

Sources

1. Mike Lee Flees from Media Questions About His Assassin Tweet
2. Sen. Mike Lee outrages Minnesotans with social media ...
3. Mike Lee Flees from Media Questions About His Assassin Tweet
4. MAGA Senator Mike Lee Mocked for Absurdly Calling Dem Assassin 'Marxist'
5. GOP Senator's Minnesota Assassination Comments Spark Backlash
6. Mike Lee Flees Questions About Deranged Assassin Tweet
7. Republican senator slammed for 'egregiously shameful tweet' about ...
8. What Did Mike Lee Say About Melissa Hortman: The Controversy and Latest ...