What Did Mike Lee Say About Melissa HArtman? In mid-June 2025, the nation grappled with the tragic assassinations of Minnesota’s former House Speaker Melissa HArtman and her husband Mark, whose deaths shocked public officials and citizens alike. But instead of offering condolences, Utah Senator Mike Lee sparked controversy by using the tragedy for political commentary on social media. Here’s what he said, and why it matters.
1. The Tragedy: Who Was Melissa HArtman?
Melissa HArtman was the long-serving Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and a prominent Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) leader. On June 14, 2025, she and her husband were brutally murdered at home by a man impersonating a police officer—an act now identified as a politically motivated assassination
Minnesota’s governor, Tim Walz, described their deaths as an unspeakable loss. Authorities later confirmed that the shooter, Vance Boelter, also wounded Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a related attack. Thousands mourned, as the Hortmans lay in state—a rare honor that reflected Melissa’s legacy of service
2. Mike Lee’s Tweets: From Swift Condolences to Viral Outrage
Just hours after the news broke, Senator Mike Lee took to his personal X account—not his Senate page—to post two inflammatory messages. One read: “This is what happens when Marxists don’t get their way”, accompanied by the suspect’s photo. Another mockingly referenced the Minnesota governor with a pun: “Nightmare on Waltz Street”
He did post a statement urging condemnation of the violence, but it came only later and on his official Senate account
3. The Fallout: Criticism from Colleagues and Staffers
Lee’s timing and tone quickly drew ire. Senator Tina Smith, a close friend of Hortman, personally confronted Lee, calling his posts “beyond disgusting” and emphasizing the profound pain they caused.
Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed that sentiment, stating: “Joking about an assassin killing people is beyond the pale,” and stressing that public officials must show decency during such tragedies.
Inside Senate corridors, Ed Shelleby, Smith’s deputy chief of staff, sent a scathing email to Lee’s office. He denounced Lee for exploiting the murders for political gain, asking, “Have you absolutely no conscience? No decency?” .
4. Examining the Facts: Was Boelter a ‘Marxist’?
Lee’s claims about Boelter’s political ideology quickly unraveled under scrutiny. PolitiFact rated his assertion—that the shooter was driven by “Marxist” ideology—as “Pants on Fire”—their lowest rating for false statements.
Evidence from friends and media reports identified Boelter as right-leaning, a Trump supporter, and opposed to abortion—not aligned with leftist or Marxist views. Authorities also discouraged ideological speculation, stating the primary motive was simply targeted political violence against Democrats.
5. What the Reactions Reveal About Political Responsibility
Lee’s response did more than generate outrage—it sparked a debate about the moral obligations of public officials. Here’s how:
- Empathy vs. Exploitation: Citizens expect leaders to prioritize compassion—not political quips—during moments of national grief.
- Accountability: Smith’s direct confrontation underscored that leaders must face consequences for inflammatory rhetoric.
- Misinformation Risks: False ideological labeling can distort public perception and hinder trust in institutions.
- Decency in Discourse: This episode prompted discussions on rebuilding civil political dialogue amid polarization.
Senators and staff from Minnesota—across party lines—distanced themselves from Lee’s remarks, signaling that decency must prevail even amidst division
6. Looking Ahead: Lessons for Political Communication
This controversy leaves us with key takeaways on leadership and media:
Timing matters: Words matter especially during tragedies; humor or political framing can be deeply hurtful.
Integrity over virality: Amplifying unverified claims online may garner likes but erodes public trust.
The need for empathy: Leaders must center empathy in their communications—recognizing the human pain behind headlines.
Accountability mechanisms: Personal confrontations like Smith’s remind us that leaders can—and should—be held accountable in human terms, not just political optics.
Lee complied only partially, deleting the offensive posts—but he has neither apologized nor corrected the record, even when pressed by the press and lawmakerS
Conclusion
In the wake of the tragic assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband, Senator Mike Lee’s social media response stood out—not for condolence, but for political opportunism. He falsely attributed the attacker’s motivation to Marxism, provoking sharp backlash from colleagues and fueling broader discussions about empathy and responsible speech in public life. The incident serves as a somber reminder that leadership is measured not only by policy, but by the humanity we show in our darkest moments.
