Fact Check: Senator Mike Lee referred to the assassination incident as 'Nightmare on Waltz Street' in a social media post, making an apparent reference to Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz.

Fact Check: "Senator Mike Lee referred to the assassination incident as 'Nightmare on Waltz Street' in a social media post, making an apparent reference to Minnesota's Democratic governor, Tim Walz."

What We Know

On June 16, 2025, following the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Utah Senator Mike Lee made a controversial post on his personal X account. In this post, he referred to the incident as “Nightmare on Waltz Street,” which is widely interpreted as a jab at Minnesota's Democratic Governor, Tim Walz (source-1). This comment was part of a series of posts where Lee speculated about the political motivations behind the attack, suggesting that it was a result of leftist ideologies (source-2).

The phrase "Nightmare on Waltz Street" appears to be a play on the title of the horror film "A Nightmare on Elm Street," and critics have noted that it reflects a lack of sensitivity given the tragic circumstances surrounding the assassination (source-3). Following backlash from various political figures, including Minnesota Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, Lee later issued a more measured statement on his official Senate account, condemning violence and expressing condolences to the victims' families (source-4).

Analysis

The claim that Senator Mike Lee referred to the assassination incident as "Nightmare on Waltz Street" is substantiated by multiple sources. His post was widely reported and criticized, indicating that it was indeed made and interpreted as a reference to Governor Tim Walz (source-5). The context of the post, made shortly after a politically motivated assassination, adds to the gravity of the situation and underscores the insensitivity of the remark.

Critics, including prominent Democratic senators, have condemned Lee's comments as inappropriate and harmful, suggesting that they contribute to a culture of political violence (source-6). The backlash was not limited to social media; it also extended to in-person confrontations in the Senate, where Lee was called out for his remarks (source-7).

While Lee later attempted to distance himself from the initial posts by issuing a more conventional statement, the timing and nature of his comments raise questions about his accountability and the responsibility of public figures in the wake of violence. His initial posts were seen as an attempt to politicize a tragedy, which many view as a dangerous precedent (source-8).

Conclusion

Verdict: True
Senator Mike Lee did indeed refer to the assassination incident as "Nightmare on Waltz Street," which is widely interpreted as a reference to Governor Tim Walz. This claim is supported by multiple credible sources and reflects a significant backlash due to the insensitivity of the remark in the context of a tragic event.

Sources

1. Mike Lee Draws Outrage for Posts Blaming Assassination ...
2. Mike Lee criticized after posting apparent jokes about the ...
3. ‘Truly Disgusting’: GOP Senator Slammed For ‘Depraved ...
4. Sen Mike Lee's comments on Minnesota shootings cause ...
5. Klobuchar condemns Mike Lee's posts about Minnesota ...
6. The View Cohosts Slam Senator Who Mocked Murdered ...
7. Republican Sen. Mike Lee peddles misinformation about ...
8. The View rips Sen. Mike Lee over Minnesota shooter ...