The tragic assassination of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, on June 14, 2025, shook the nation. Amid the grief, Utah Senator Mike Lee posted inflammatory, now-deleted X messages blaming “Marxists” and mocking Governor Tim Walz, sparking widespread backlash. Often misspelled as “Hartman” in searches, Hortman’s death became a flashpoint for debates on misinformation and political rhetoric. This article unpacks Lee’s exact words, the timeline, verified facts, reactions, and why the posts mattered, offering a clear, neutral account for you to judge.
Quick Summary: What Exactly Did Mike Lee Say About Melissa Hortman?
Senator Mike Lee’s comments, posted on his personal X account (@BasedMikeLee), framed the Minnesota shootings in a partisan light. The posts, made hours after the tragedy, were deleted after intense criticism but not before igniting a firestorm.
The Core Statement
On June 15, 2025, Lee posted: “This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way,” alongside an image of suspect Vance Boelter. The claim, made as details were still emerging, falsely tied the attack to left-wing ideology, drawing immediate outrage for its lack of evidence.
The Follow-Up Post
Later that day, Lee doubled down with another post captioned “Nightmare on Waltz Street,” referencing Governor Tim Walz. This horror-movie-inspired jab was widely criticized as insensitive, politicizing a family’s loss during a time of mourning.
Official Response After Backlash
Facing bipartisan condemnation, Lee deleted both posts by June 17. His official Senate account issued a toned-down statement: “These hateful attacks have no place in Utah, Minnesota, or anywhere in America. My heart goes out to Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, their families, Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, and the Minnesota community.” Yet, Minnesota leaders, including Senator Tina Smith, noted Lee offered no direct apology, fueling ongoing tensions.
Timeline: How the Mike Lee–Melissa Hortman Story Unfolded
The events of June 2025 unfolded swiftly, blending tragedy with political controversy. Here’s the detailed chronology.
June 14: The Minnesota Tragedy
On June 14, 2025, Vance Boelter, 57, disguised as a police officer, fatally shot Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park home. In a related attack, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were wounded. Authorities called it a politically motivated assassination, citing Boelter’s “hit list” targeting dozens of Democratic officials and abortion clinics. Governor Walz labeled it a “nightmare,” as communities rallied in grief.
June 15 Morning: Lee’s First Post Goes Viral
Around 9 a.m. ET, as the manhunt for Boelter continued, Lee posted his “Marxists” comment with a suspect photo. The post, viewed over 100,000 times in hours, drew swift criticism for its inflammatory speculation during an active investigation.
June 15 Afternoon: The “Waltz Street” Jab
By midday, Lee’s “Nightmare on Waltz Street” post, also featuring Boelter’s image, trended under #NightmareOnWaltzStreet. Critics slammed it as a cruel pun on a tragedy. Boelter was arrested that evening in Green Isle, Minnesota.
June 16–17: Backlash Builds and Posts Vanish
By June 16, national and local media amplified the outrage, with senators from both parties condemning Lee’s remarks. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith confronted him in a Capitol hallway, calling his words “brutal and cruel.” The posts were deleted by June 17, but screenshots preserved them in news reports.
Aftermath: Charges and Ongoing Echoes
On June 18, Boelter faced charges of two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. The controversy resurfaced in September 2025 when Lee mourned conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s assassination, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from critics citing his earlier rhetoric.
Verbatim Quotes
Lee’s deleted posts were preserved by media outlets. Here are the exact words:
- June 15, ~9 a.m. ET: “This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way.” (Paired with Boelter’s masked photo.)
- June 15, ~2 p.m. ET: “Nightmare on Waltz Street.” (Accompanying another Boelter image, targeting Walz.)
- June 17, Senate Account: “These hateful attacks have no place… My heart goes out to [the victims].”
These quotes, captured before deletion, fueled the public and political response.
Context Behind the Controversy
Who Was Melissa Hortman?
Melissa Hortman, 55, was a prominent Democrat-Farmer-Labor (DFL) leader and Minnesota House Speaker from 2019 to 2023. A lawyer and mother of two, she fought for workers’ rights, reproductive freedom, and education funding. Her death left the Minnesota House evenly split at 100-100, pending a special election. Tributes hailed her as a “champion for working people,” with added sorrow over the loss of the family dog, Gilbert, euthanized due to injuries.
Political Tensions and Misleading Claims
Lee’s “Marxist” label tapped into 2025’s heated midterm climate, where Minnesota’s divided legislature was a battleground. The claim echoed right-wing online rumors but lacked evidence. Friends described Boelter as a conservative Trump supporter who followed Infowars, with a hit list targeting Democrats, not leftists. Labeling him a “Marxist” risked spreading false narratives during a sensitive investigation.
Why Lee’s Words Carried National Impact
With over 500,000 X followers, Lee’s posts reached millions, shaping early perceptions of the tragedy. In an era of rising threats to lawmakers—up 400% since 2016—such rhetoric amplified fear and division, making it a national flashpoint.
What the Media Reported About Mike Lee’s Comments
National Coverage
Major outlets framed Lee’s posts as reckless speculation, emphasizing their harm during a time of grief. Reports highlighted how they deepened the pain of victims’ families and fueled political opportunism, contrasting them with calls for unity.
Local Minnesota Reporting
Minnesota media focused on community grief, with outlets interviewing lawmakers and residents demanding restraint. Leaders like DFL Chair Richard Carlbom called Lee “dishonorable,” urging focus on honoring victims over partisan jabs.
Independent Fact-Checkers
Fact-checkers debunked the “Marxist” claim, citing Boelter’s conservative leanings. They noted Lee’s posts as a case study in how misinformation spreads faster than corrections, especially from high-profile figures.
Political Reaction: Leaders Respond to Mike Lee’s Comments
Senate Democrats
Minnesota Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar led the criticism. Smith, after confronting Lee, said, “Joking about an assassin killing people is beyond the pale.” Klobuchar called it “not funny,” planning her own discussion. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer labeled the posts “sickening.”
Republican Lawmakers
Some Republicans also spoke out. North Dakota’s Kevin Cramer called the posts “insensitive,” while Minnesota Rep. Nolan West (R) criticized social media impulsiveness. Utah’s Deseret News, tied to the LDS community, deemed them “unacceptable.”
Civic Groups & Parties
The Minnesota DFL demanded Lee’s resignation, calling his claims “an act of evil.” Civic leaders, including Rep. Kelly Morrison (D), urged de-escalation, framing the moment as a call for change.
Public Reaction & Social Media Analysis
X and Threads
Hashtags like #MikeLeeResign and #NightmareOnWaltzStreet trended with 500,000+ mentions in 48 hours. Most users condemned the posts’ insensitivity, though some defended Lee’s free speech. Community notes on X corrected the “Marxist” claim, earning 10,000 likes.
Reddit, Forums, and Community Spaces
Subreddits like r/politics and r/Minnesota saw threads with 20,000 upvotes discussing media literacy and accountability. Forums debated the role of senators in shaping narratives.
Viral Commentary & Memes
The “Waltz Street” phrase sparked memes blending horror tropes with political critique, reaching 2 million impressions. Activists like Nina Turner called it a “dangerous distortion.”
Fact-Checking the Claims
Investigators’ Findings vs. Lee’s Implication
Authorities charged Boelter with murder, citing a premeditated plot targeting Democrats. No evidence supported the “Marxist” label; associates confirmed his conservative views and Trump support. Fact-checkers rated Lee’s claim false.
Misinformation Patterns
Unverified posts spread six times faster than corrections, and Lee’s influence amplified this effect. Early speculation often lingers, even after debunking.
Lessons in Media Literacy: Short Checklist
- Wait for official statements during breaking news.
- Cross-check with reputable outlets and fact-checkers.
- Archive screenshots ethically using tools like Archive.ph.
Broader Analysis: What the Controversy Reveals About Modern Politics
The Dangers of Politicizing Tragedy
Lee’s posts deepened public pain and eroded trust, risking further division. With threats to officials rising, such rhetoric can inspire harm, underscoring the need for restraint.
Social Media & Accountability for Elected Officials
X’s instant reach lacks guardrails, and Lee’s deletions show retreat under pressure. Calls for stronger norms on crisis communication reflect bipartisan dismay.
Long-Term Impact on Mike Lee’s Reputation
The controversy lingers, with Lee’s September 2025 tribute to Charlie Kirk drawing hypocrisy charges. Utah polls show a 20% approval drop, and censure talks persist.
Resources: Following Updates and Verifying Information
Official Sources to Follow
- Mike Lee’s Senate account (@SenMikeLee) for statements.
- Minnesota law enforcement and DOJ for charges.
- Minnesota State Patrol press releases.
Trusted News & Fact-Checkers
- Associated Press, ABC, The Guardian for reporting.
- PolitiFact, FactCheck.org for verification.
How to Archive and Verify Deleted Posts
Use Wayback Machine (archive.org) or Archive.ph. Attribute sources and respect copyrights when saving screenshots.
FAQs
What exactly did Mike Lee say about Melissa Hortman?
He posted: “This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way” and “Nightmare on Waltz Street” on X, both deleted after backlash.
Did Mike Lee apologize?
No direct apology; he deleted posts and issued a general condemnation via his Senate account. Senator Smith noted no personal remorse.
Were his claims true was the shooter a Marxist?
No; Boelter was a conservative Trump supporter. Fact-checkers found no evidence for Lee’s claim.
Where can I read the original posts?
Deleted, but preserved in news reports and fact-check articles with screenshots.
Conclusion
What did Mike Lee say about Melissa Hortman? In the wake of her tragic assassination, he posted baseless claims blaming “Marxists” and mocked the crisis with “Nightmare on Waltz Street,” only to delete them amid bipartisan outrage. These remarks, debunked by investigators, highlight the dangers of misinformation from influential figures. Hortman’s legacy as a dedicated leader deserves respect, not speculation. Stay informed with verified sources, demand accountability, and prioritize compassion over division in times of tragedy.
