Social Media Revives Memory of Hortman Assassination After Utah Shooting

Lead Social media users today recalled the politically motivated assassination of former Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in response to Wednesday’s deadly shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.

Nut Graf The resurgence of interest underscores deep partisan divides over political violence and highlights how past tragedies are repurposed in online debates. As tributes poured in for Kirk, users contrasted reactions-or lack thereof-to the Hortmans’ deaths, fueling fresh controversy over selective outrage and the broader climate of targeted attacks.

Online Discourse Rekindled

  • Contrasting Reactions: Posts accused conservatives of downplaying the Hortmans’ killing while amplifying sympathy for Kirk, arguing that political violence is not confined to one side.
  • Trending Topic: “Melissa Hortman” surged to the top of Google Trends, registering over 20,000 searches within hours, and became a focal point on X, formerly Twitter.
  • Bizarre Comparisons: Some users questioned why the December 2024 assassination received scant media attention compared to high-profile shootings of right-wing figures.

Background of the Assassination

Melissa Hortman, then Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home by a gunman posing as law enforcement on June 14, 2025. Governor Tim Walz condemned the attack as “targeted political violence,” and the suspect remains at large.

Political Reactions

  • Calls for Consistency: Critics from both parties urged uniform condemnation of all political violence, warning that selective outrage only deepens societal rifts.
  • Official Statements: Former colleagues and Minnesota leaders reiterated the need to address extremism, citing the Hortmans as casualties of escalating threats against public servants.
  • Google Trends placed “Melissa Hortman” among its top three searches nationwide within hours of Kirk’s shooting.
  • Engagement on social platforms spiked as users shared archived news reports and personal tributes to the Hortmans, reigniting debate over media coverage disparities.