Minnesota shooting: Senator Lee calls Boelter ‘Marxist'; Backlash from left and right
AP file photo
US Senator Mike Lee of Utah is facing strong criticism after his comments on the recent fatal shootings in Minnesota. On Sunday, just days after the attack, Lee described the suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, as a "Marxist" on social media platform X.
The post included a picture of Boelter with the caption, 'This is what happens when Marxists don't get their way. The statement quickly drew backlash from across the political spectrum.
— BasedMikeLee (@BasedMikeLee)
Democratic activist Nina Turner accused Lee of exploiting the tragedy for political gain, saying, 'Using this moment to push your own political agenda is disgraceful, people are dead.' Political scientist Norman Ornstein called the remark 'beyond disgusting' and said it spread misinformation unbecoming of an elected leader.
Even conservatives like libertarian journalist Brad Polumbo criticised Lee, questioning whether the senator had 'completely lost it.' The official X account of the US Democratic Party also slammed Lee, calling his post 'pathetic' and noting that he chose Father's Day to politicise the violence.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Boelter held far-right political views and supported US president Donald Trump.
The shooting occurred on 13 June during a protest in Burnsville, Minnesota.
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Boelter allegedly killed Melissa Hortman, speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband, while injuring senator John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities have described the attack as politically motivated and pre-planned.
Investigators found that Boelter had created a 'hit list' targeting Democratic politicians, journalists, and abortion providers. He allegedly posed as a police officer while conducting surveillance on his intended targets. Following the attack, the FBI launched a manhunt, offering a $50,000 reward before capturing Boelter.
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