Sen. Mike Lee Deletes Posts After Tina Smith Confronts Him Over Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Comments

Utah Senator Mike Lee faced widespread criticism after posting social media messages that appeared to blame Democrats and "Marxists" for the fatal shooting of a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband on Saturday. Lee's posts, which included what were perceived as jokes about the shooter, sparked backlash from colleagues and the public. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith confronted Lee directly on Monday, expressing that his comments were "brutal," "cruel," and fueled hatred and misinformation. Smith emphasized the personal impact of Lee's statements, noting that the shooter had targeted her friend. Following the confrontation and additional pressure from Senate colleagues, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, Lee deleted the controversial posts from his personal social media accounts. The incident highlighted the heightened partisan tensions surrounding the tragic event and drew calls for restraint and responsibility in public discourse.