Minneapolis, Minnesota — The tragic deaths of state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, have ignited a wave of outrage and calls for accountability, especially following misleading social media remarks made by Senator Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah. Senator Tina Smith, a Democrat from Minnesota, expressed her deep dismay over Lee’s comments, which she characterized as disrespectful and harmful to those mourning the couple’s loss.
In an emotional response to the incident, Smith revealed that she lost both a friend and a colleague in the recent violent act. The senator took issue with Lee’s posts suggesting the shooter was linked to Marxism and implicating Minnesota’s governor in the tragedy. Smith conveyed her feelings in a direct conversation with Lee, opting for personal dialogue instead of a heated exchange online to address what she deemed misinformation that affected real lives.
Images of their conversation quickly gained traction online, resonating with many who appreciated Smith’s approach. As she prepares to leave the Senate at the end of her term, Smith has a history of confronting public figures on contentious issues, having previously spoken out against prominent personalities such as Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
Smith emphasized the importance of personal accountability, sharing that speaking directly to Lee was meant to remind him of the real-world implications of his words. She reflected on the outpouring of support from constituents and individuals across the nation who appreciated her stance.
While Smith acknowledged that she had limited past interaction with Lee, she approached the conversation with a calm demeanor, making it clear that the rhetorical choices he made had severe repercussions. She confronted him with photos of the assailant, highlighting their timeline closely tied to Hortman’s tragic murder.
“The pain caused by this tragedy is profound, and it’s amplified by careless rhetoric,” Smith recounted conveying to Lee. She pointed out that his posts were seen by millions, further compounding the distress experienced by her and others in the community.
Additionally, Smith’s deputy chief of staff, Ed Shelleby, reached out to Lee’s office, criticizing his posts for adding to the “unspeakable horror” of the weekend. In his email, Shelleby shared personal connections to Hortman and urged Lee to reconsider his statements, expressing disappointment over the exploitation of tragedy for political gain.
In the wake of the tragedy, discussions about the suspect revealed a troubling hit list that included various Democrats, including Smith herself, which remained mostly unaddressed by Lee in their conversation. Smith noted that Lee appeared surprised by her confrontation, perhaps indicative of a broader disconnect within political circles regarding the consequences of incendiary discourse.
When asked about their interaction, Lee evaded questions, his office remaining silent in the aftermath. Smith articulated her expectation for Lee to acknowledge his actions publicly and to retract misleading statements. “We are in a moment that requires compassion and awareness, not sensationalism,” she asserted.
Local Republican leaders in Minnesota have also criticized Lee’s remarks. Harry Niska, a colleague of Hortman’s, stated that Lee’s posts were not only classless but also misguided. His comments reflect a broader sense of accountability emerging among Minnesota Republicans, signaling a departure from divisive tactics often seen nationally.
Smith concluded by expressing hope in the response from state officials, appreciating their refusal to fuel misinformation. As the community grapples with the impact of these events, leaders like Smith continue to advocate for a more respectful and truthful discourse in politics.