Fact Check: "Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) needs to resign for his despicable posts regarding assassination of Mn politicians"
What We Know
Following the tragic shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Senator Mike Lee made several controversial posts on social media that drew significant backlash. On June 14, 2025, after the shooting, Lee posted a photo of the alleged shooter with the caption “Nightmare on Waltz street,” seemingly blaming Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for the incident. In another post, he wrote, “this is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way,” which many interpreted as an attempt to politicize the tragedy (AP News, NY Times).
Lee's posts were met with outrage not only from Democrats but also from fellow Republicans, who described them as “insensitive” and “inappropriate” (USA Today, Salt Lake Tribune). After facing criticism, Lee deleted the posts and later issued a more measured statement on his official Senate account, condemning the violence and expressing condolences for the victims (AP News, NY Times).
Analysis
The claim that Senator Mike Lee should resign is rooted in the perception that his social media posts were not only inappropriate but also harmful in the context of a national conversation about political violence. His initial posts appeared to trivialize a tragic event and shift blame onto political opponents, which many senators found unacceptable. For instance, Senator Tina Smith confronted Lee directly, expressing that his posts caused additional pain to those affected by the tragedy (AP News, NY Times).
Critics, including some from his own party, argued that Lee's comments were reckless and demonstrated a lack of empathy. Republican Senator Kevin Cramer stated that Lee's posts were “not even true” and suggested that they reflected poorly on his judgment during a time of crisis (AP News, USA Today).
However, it is also important to consider the broader context of political discourse in the U.S. While many called for Lee's resignation, others may argue that such calls could be seen as an overreaction, especially given that he later deleted the posts and issued a more appropriate statement. The backlash indicates a significant concern among lawmakers about the tone and implications of political rhetoric, particularly in the wake of violence.
Conclusion
The claim that Senator Mike Lee should resign for his posts regarding the assassination of Minnesota politicians is Partially True. While his initial comments were widely condemned and deemed inappropriate, leading to calls for resignation, he did take steps to mitigate the backlash by deleting the posts and issuing a more respectful statement. The situation highlights the ongoing tension in political discourse and the responsibilities of public figures in addressing sensitive issues, particularly those involving violence.
