Gov. Walz Speaks Out After Hortman Assassinations, Addresses Conspiracy Theories and Political Fallout
MINNEAPOLIS – In an exclusive interview with FOX9, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz broke his silence following the tragic assassinations of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, in June. The governor, visibly grappling with the emotional weight of the event, admitted that the grief surfaces unexpectedly, despite his efforts to push through it. He also addressed the swirling conspiracy theories surrounding the accused gunman and responded to criticism of his own at-times heated rhetoric directed at former President Donald Trump. Furthermore, Gov. Walz discussed how the Hortman murders might affect his future political plans and agenda.
The Hortman assassinations, coupled with the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, sent shockwaves through Minnesota’s political landscape. The tragedy unfolded on June 14, 2025, when the suspect, armed with a firearm, allegedly targeted the Hortmans’ Brooklyn Park home, fatally shooting the couple and their dog. The same night, the assailant also attacked the Hoffmans in their Champlin residence, injuring both of them. The gunman reportedly visited the homes of two other Democratic lawmakers that evening. The motive behind these attacks remains under intense scrutiny, with authorities working to uncover the full story.
Conspiracy theories regarding the suspect’s political affiliation and potential motivation have proliferated online, fueled in part by social media influencers like Melissa Tate. Tate, known for her far-right views, posted a series of messages on X (formerly Twitter) alleging that Rep. Hortman was assassinated by a “leftist Democrat” appointed to a board by Gov. Walz. Tate further asserted that the assassination was likely connected to Hortman’s vote alongside Republicans to restrict access to MinnesotaCare for undocumented immigrants as part of a budget compromise.
These claims have been vehemently refuted by Minnesota Republicans themselves. State Representatives Nolan West and Mary Franson both publicly denounced Tate’s assertions as “nonsense” and “a lie,” respectively. Rep. West clarified that the suspect’s appointment to a non-partisan board did not signify political affiliation and stressed that the assassination was not motivated by Hortman’s bipartisan vote on healthcare access. Rep. Franson affirmed that the murderer appeared to be acting out of a delusional belief that he was carrying out Gov. Walz’s orders.
Official records confirm that the suspect was initially appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council, a large, unpaid advisory body, by then-Governor Mark Dayton in 2016. Gov. Walz reappointed him in 2019, with the term expiring in 2023. The appointments, common practice for Minnesota governors, are not considered political positions within the administration.
Governor Walz, during his interview with FOX9, sought to dispel these unfounded narratives. He emphasized the non-partisan nature of the board appointments, highlighting the practice of appointing thousands of individuals from across the political spectrum to various boards and commissions. He also dismissed the notion that the gunman’s actions were somehow linked to his administration or political directives. He expressed his deep concern over the spread of misinformation and its potential to further divide the community during this sensitive time.
The Governor’s interview marked his first public statement since the tragedy. He candidly described the emotional toll of the losses, and how he continues to process his grief. While focused on his duties as governor, he acknowledged the profound impact of the assassinations. Moving forward, the Governor indicated that the events will undoubtedly inform his future political trajectory and legislative priorities. He pledged to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to this violence, including political extremism and the spread of disinformation.
The Hortman assassinations have cast a long shadow over Minnesota politics. The event has sparked widespread calls for unity and a rejection of extremist rhetoric. The state continues to mourn the loss of Rep. Hortman and her husband, grappling with the implications of this senseless act of violence. The ongoing investigation seeks to provide clarity on the motivations of the accused gunman and to ensure that justice is served. In the meantime, state leaders are navigating the complex aftermath, attempting to heal the wounds of this tragedy and to forge a path forward toward greater understanding and reconciliation.