> At a Glance
> – President Trump posted a video baselessly linking Minnesota Governor Walz to the fatal shootings of State Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband
> – Hortman’s children, Colin and Sophie, publicly asked Trump to delete the post and apologize for “misinformation”
> – The same gunman also wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife the same day
> – Why it matters: The post revives unfounded conspiracy theories that investigators say fueled the original violence, worrying victim families about further harm
Colin and Sophie Hortman spent the holidays grieving the June murders of their parents, State Senator Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman. Their plea to President Trump now dominates headlines after he amplified a conspiracy video tying Governor Tim Walz to the killings.
The Post That Rekindled Pain
Trump shared the user-generated video on Truth Social, repeating claims that fraud in Minnesota state programs somehow connects Governor Walz to the double murder. Investigators have never presented evidence supporting that link.
Governor Walz labeled the move “dangerous, depraved behavior” and warned it could incite more violence.
What Happened in June
| Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Hortman couple shot | June 2024 | Melissa and Mark Hortman killed |
| Hoffman couple shot | Same day | Senator John Hoffman and wife Yvette wounded |
| Boelter arrested | Days later | Largest manhunt in state history |
| Federal indictment | July 2024 | Accused faces murder charges |
| Not-guilty plea | August 2024 | Case pending |
Authorities charged Vance Boelter with the shootings, describing them as politically motivated.
Families Speak Out
Colin Hortman wrote:
> “I am asking President Trump to remove the video… apologize… for using my mother’s own words to dishonor her memory.”
Sophie Hortman added:
> “This video promotes a false narrative which fuels the flames of political division… another hurdle our family must overcome.”
The Hoffman family echoed the call:
> “We ask President Trump to take down the post… Those claims reflect the same hateful falsehoods that motivated violence.”
The White House did not respond to media questions about the post.
Key Takeaways
- Trump shared a conspiracy video linking Governor Walz to the Hortman murders without evidence
- Victims’ children say the post spreads harmful misinformation and deepens their grief
- Investigators found no proof tying state program fraud to the shootings
- The Justice Department is separately prosecuting fraud cases involving Minnesota nonprofits
As the families seek accountability, the episode spotlights how quickly unproven claims can resurface on social media, reopening wounds for those most affected.
