Utah Sen. Mike Lee has deleted social media posts associating the deadly Minnesota shootings last weekend with ‘Marxists’ and the state’s Democratic governor, amid widespread outrage. The posts, which included a photo of the suspect and a reference to Governor Tim Walz, were removed after criticism from a Republican colleague, Sen. Kevin Cramer, who called the comments ‘insensitive’ and ‘inappropriate.’
Cramer, during a press availability, said Lee’s decision to comment online over the weekend ‘seems insensitive, to say the least, inappropriate, for sure’ and ‘not even true.’ He emphasized that the political affiliation of the shooter is irrelevant, stating, ‘what happened is absolutely, positively unacceptable in any political environment, and it’s tragic.’ Cramer also suggested that Lee should have waited before making such a remark, noting, ‘I don’t know where he stands today on it. I just know where I do … the politics of this shooter are so irrelevant to me.’
Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota, who was a friend of murdered state Rep. Melissa Hortman, confronted Lee just off the Senate floor to condemn his comments. Smith’s delegation partner, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, also spoke to Lee about the posts, stating, ‘I told him what I’ve said publicly, that this isn’t one bit funny for my state.’ Klobuchar, who is also a Democrat, added that she and Lee had a good discussion, and was glad he took it down.
The deleted posts from Lee’s personal account included a photo of the suspect, Vance Boelter, with the caption: ‘This is what happens … When Marxists don’t get their way.’ Another post featured a photo of Boelter with the caption: ‘Nightmare on Waltz Street,’ in apparent reference to Governor Tim Walz.
Lee did not respond to reporters’ questions about the posts yesterday but he replied to a X user who said, ‘According to Democrats you’re not allowed to make sarcastic posts anymore!’ He posted, ‘Ah yes, I must seek their permission.’ That post remained up Tuesday afternoon.
This incident has raised questions about the tone of political discourse following tragic events and the potential for political statements to inflame rather than heal in times of grief.