Fact Check: Social media users criticized Senator Mike Lee for joking about the murder of Melissa Hortman and her husband.

Fact Check: "Social media users criticized Senator Mike Lee for joking about the murder of Melissa Hortman and her husband."

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed in their home in what authorities described as targeted political violence. This incident occurred shortly after a gathering of Democratic lawmakers, raising significant concerns about political safety and violence in the U.S. political landscape (AP News).

In the wake of this tragedy, Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, faced backlash for his comments on social media. He posted a message implying that the shootings were a consequence of "Marxists" not getting their way, which many interpreted as a joke about the murders (Newsweek). Lee's posts included a photo of the alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, and captions that were deemed insensitive and inflammatory, such as "This is what happens...When Marxists don't get their way" (Yahoo).

The reactions from social media users and political figures were overwhelmingly negative, with many condemning Lee's remarks as inappropriate and disrespectful given the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Hortman and her husband (KSL, MSNBC).

Analysis

The claim that social media users criticized Senator Mike Lee for joking about the murders of Melissa Hortman and her husband is substantiated by multiple sources. Lee's posts were widely reported and discussed across various platforms, indicating a significant public outcry against his comments. For instance, Senator Amy Klobuchar publicly criticized Lee's remarks, stating, "I really hold Mike Lee responsible for this," highlighting the seriousness with which many viewed his comments (Total News).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this incident is generally high. The Associated Press and Newsweek are reputable news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The Yahoo article also provides a detailed account of the backlash Lee faced, further corroborating the widespread criticism (Yahoo, Newsweek).

However, it is important to note that while Lee's comments were criticized, the interpretation of whether they constituted a "joke" may vary among individuals. Some may argue that his comments were intended to be provocative rather than humorous. Nevertheless, the prevailing sentiment on social media and among political commentators was one of condemnation, suggesting that the majority perceived his remarks as inappropriate given the context of the murders.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that social media users criticized Senator Mike Lee for joking about the murder of Melissa Hortman and her husband is accurate. Lee's comments were widely condemned as insensitive and inappropriate in light of the tragic events, leading to significant backlash from both the public and fellow politicians.

Sources

1. Slain Minnesota leader's path took her far from teen job making ...
2. Mike Lee Flies off Rails With Disgusting Joke About Minnesota ... - Yahoo
3. GOP Senator's Minnesota Assassination Comments Spark Backlash
4. Mike Lee criticized after posting apparent jokes about the ...
5. MAGA Senator Mike Lee faces backlash after sharing insensitive ... - MSN
6. Klobuchar criticizes Mike Lee's comments on Minnesota suspect: 'This is ...
7. Republican Sen. Mike Lee peddles misinformation about ...