The shootings of two Minnesota state legislators and their spouses this weekend — resulting in the assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and grievous injury to Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, who were shot 11 times — is the latest horrific episode of political violence across the country.
It won't be the last.
In the wake of the attacks, prominent right-wing social media commentators and conspiracy theorists were quick to falsely lay blame at the feet of victims and Democrats. After reports surfaced that Gov. Tim Walz had appointed the Minnesota suspect by to a state workforce development board, right-wing conspiracist Mike Cernovich asked on X whether Walz had unleashed an "assassin" and "ordered the political hit against a rival who voted against Walz's plan to give free healthcare to illegals." Elon Musk was swiftly mocked online after he blamed the "far left" for the killings in a post on X.
These conspiracy theories are patently wrong.
This is a preview of Cynthia Miller-Idriss' latest column. Read the full column here. |
