Fact Check: Utah Republican State Senator Mike Lee fled from media questions regarding his posts about the murder of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman.

Fact Check: "Utah Republican State Senator Mike Lee fled from media questions regarding his posts about the murder of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman."

What We Know

Following the tragic assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, Utah Republican Senator Mike Lee faced significant backlash for his social media posts that appeared to mock the situation. In his initial posts, Lee suggested that the murder was a consequence of "Marxism," stating, “This is what happens When Marxists don’t get their way” (New York Times). This was followed by another post that included a reference to the Minnesota governor, which many interpreted as further derision towards the political left.

As the outrage grew, Lee later issued a more measured statement on his official Senate account, condemning violence and calling for prayers for the victims (New York Times). However, this response came after his initial inflammatory comments, leading to accusations that he was attempting to shift his narrative in light of public criticism.

Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota and a friend of Hortman, confronted Lee about his posts, expressing her dismay and stating that such rhetoric was harmful (Washington Post). Reports indicate that Lee seemed surprised by the confrontation, suggesting a lack of awareness of the impact of his comments (New York Times).

Analysis

The claim that Mike Lee "fled from media questions" is supported by reports indicating that he avoided direct inquiries about his controversial posts. For instance, a report from Yahoo described an incident where Lee was seen evading questions from reporters regarding his statements about the murder (Yahoo). Similarly, another article noted that he was "caught fleeing" from media questions, reinforcing the notion that he was not willing to engage with the press on this matter (DNYUZ).

However, it is essential to consider the context in which this occurred. Lee's initial posts drew widespread condemnation, not only from Democrats but also from some Republicans, indicating that his comments were viewed as inappropriate and inflammatory (Minnesota Reformer). The backlash likely contributed to his decision to avoid media interactions, which could be interpreted as an attempt to evade accountability rather than a straightforward "fleeing" from questions.

The sources reporting on this incident vary in their reliability, with established outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post providing detailed accounts of the events. In contrast, less established sources may carry a bias that could influence their portrayal of Lee's actions. Therefore, while the claim has merit, it is crucial to recognize the nuances surrounding Lee's behavior and the context of his posts.

Conclusion

The claim that "Utah Republican State Senator Mike Lee fled from media questions regarding his posts about the murder of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman" is Partially True. While there is evidence that Lee avoided media inquiries following his controversial posts, the context suggests that this behavior was a response to significant backlash rather than a simple act of evasion. His initial comments were widely criticized, and his subsequent avoidance of the media reflects the contentious nature of the situation rather than a straightforward refusal to engage.

Fact Check: Utah Republican State Senator Mike Lee fled from media questions regarding his posts about the murder of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman.