WASHINGTON — Days after a Minnesota state lawmaker was killed and another injured in a “politically motivated assassination,” President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would not call the state’s governor, eschewing a traditional presidential response to tragedies.
“Why would I call him? I could call and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’ The guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump said, referring to Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., who was the vice presidential contender facing off against Trump’s ticket in 2024. “He’s a mess. So I could be nice and call, but why waste time?”
Presidents have historically called state and local politicians on both sides of the aisle to lend their support in the aftermath of violent tragedies like natural disasters or high-profile shootings.
Walz’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the president’s remarks.
Vice President JD Vance spoke with Walz after the shooting, a source close to the governor said. Walz expressed appreciation for the coordination between federal law enforcement and Minnesota public safety officials, the source said.
Former President Joe Biden also called Walz after the attack.
State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed on Saturday at their home by a gunman impersonating a police officer. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife also were shot at home and were severely injured.
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was captured Sunday night after a high-stakes manhunt. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said on Saturday that police found a “manifesto” in the suspect’s car with names of other lawmakers and officials prompting several lawmakers to beef up security. An official who saw the list said it targeted prominent Minnesotans who advocate for abortion rights.
The shootings sparked renewed concerns about growing political violence. Walz has said that the killings “appeared to be a politically motivated assassination.”
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