In a troubling turn of events, prominent MAGA figures, including Donald Trump Jr., have amplified false rumors regarding the Minnesota shooting suspect, Vance Boelter, in an apparent attempt to portray their political adversaries as violent. This phenomenon highlights a broader issue: in the aftermath of tragedies such as shootings, social media becomes a breeding ground for misinformation and conspiracy theories, which are increasingly being embraced by mainstream figures and elected Republicans.
Vance Boelter, the alleged gunman, reportedly held conservative political views and was a staunch supporter of President Trump, according to acquaintances. A friend shared with CNN that Boelter was a strong opponent of abortion but had never shown any particular animosity towards the shooting victims. This same friend also mentioned that Boelter would be offended if anyone labeled him a Democrat.
The conspiracy theory regarding Boelter’s political affiliation intensified due to his appointment to a state Workforce Development Board by former Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and current Governor Tim Walz. Adding to the controversy, police allegedly discovered papers containing the anti-Trump protest slogan "No Kings" in Boelter's vehicle. This prompted the Minnesota State Patrol to advise residents against attending demonstrations for safety reasons.
Just hours after the tragic shooting that resulted in the deaths of House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and injuries to state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, several high-profile MAGA voices seized on these revelations to mischaracterize Boelter as a Democrat. Despite clear evidence of his conservative beliefs, Donald Trump Jr. told NewsNation that the suspect appeared to be a leftist.
Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) has been particularly vocal in spreading misinformation about Boelter, leading to public outrage and calls for his resignation. Lee posted an FBI image of the suspect wearing a face mask and posing as a police officer, accompanied by a caption that suggested a direct link to Marxism. In subsequent posts, he continued to insinuate that Boelter was not aligned with MAGA ideals, further perpetuating the false narrative.
In response to the misinformation, a source from Governor Walz's office clarified to the Minnesota Star Tribune that Walz had no prior knowledge of Boelter and emphasized that the members of the Workforce Development Board are not part of the governor's cabinet or office. The board consists of around 60 members, many of whom lack political connections or significant access to the governor's office.
Despite the clarification, several right-wing commentators continued to link Boelter to Governor Walz and smear the Democratic Party as a whole as violent. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) shared the incriminating image of the "No Kings" papers, expressing his belief that the extreme left has become dangerously radical. Elon Musk also contributed to the false narrative, suggesting that the left was responsible for the Minnesota shootings and other crimes.
This incident underscores a pattern where conspiracy theories thrive in an information vacuum, especially following mass shootings. Similar unfounded rumors emerged after tragic events in Uvalde and Buffalo, showcasing a troubling trend in the political landscape.
Joe Thompson, the acting U.S. attorney for Minnesota, addressed the situation in a recent press conference, stating that it would be overly speculative to determine the ideological motivations behind Boelter's actions. As misinformation continues to circulate, it becomes increasingly crucial for media outlets and individuals to prioritize accurate reporting over sensationalism.
