Key Takeaways

• The children of slain lawmaker Melissa Hortman urge President Trump to remove a false video from Truth Social.
• The video claimed Gov. Tim Walz ordered their mother’s assassination over an immigration vote.
• DOJ records show a Republican voter killed Hortman after pretending to be law enforcement.
• Colin and Sophie Hortman demand an apology and want respect for their mother’s legacy

President Trump Shares False Video, Hortman Children Respond

On Sunday, President Trump posted a false video on Truth Social that shook a grieving family. The clip twisted a vote by the late Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman. In that misleading video, Trump suggested Governor Tim Walz had Hortman and her husband killed.

However, the Department of Justice reported a different story. A Republican voter named Vance Boelter shot Hortman at home. He posed as a police officer to get inside their house. The video Trump shared spun a conspiracy theory around her death.

Background: The Assassination and the Conspiracy

Melissa Hortman served as a Minnesota state lawmaker. She supported a plan to limit health care access for people living here illegally. That vote sparked heated debate. Yet, she was not targeted because of her stance.

In July, Vance Boelter, a GOP voter, forced his way into the Hortman home. He claimed to be law enforcement. Once inside, Boelter shot Melissa Hortman dead and wounded her husband, Mark. Investigators linked the crime to Boelter’s personal motives, not a political order.

Meanwhile, Trump’s false video claimed Gov. Walz had ordered the assassination. It even showed edited clips of news reports and social media posts. The montage wrongly implied a direct link between Hortman’s vote and her murder.

Children Demand Video Removal and Apology

Colin and Sophie Hortman, Melissa’s son and daughter, spoke out against the misinformation. They called on President Trump to remove the false video and apologize for dishonoring their mother.

“I am asking President Trump to remove the video that he shared and apologize to me and my family for posting this misinformation and for using my mother’s own words to dishonor her legacy,” Colin Hortman said.

Sophie added, “The video the president shared is another hurdle our family must overcome in grieving the loss of my parents. I ask President Trump to please consider the pain and sadness we have faced, and to honor the spirit of the holidays we have just spent without our parents by taking down the post on Truth Social.”

Impact of the False Video on a Grieving Family

The false video has reopened old wounds for the Hortman family. Months after the murder, grief still runs deep. The children explained how they feel:

• They relive that summer night when they lost their mother.
• They face constant questions about why someone would want her dead.
• They struggle to correct every false claim that appears online.

Moreover, the viral post drew thousands of comments and shares. Some social media users believed the conspiracy. Others attacked the family for not speaking up sooner. This added stress to their journey through grief.

Colin said the family has already dealt with one political angle after the shooting. Now, they face a second wave of rumors. He urged everyone to remember the real facts. Sophie stressed that false claims can cause harm beyond just hurt feelings. They can shape public opinion in dangerous ways.

Why Removing Misinformation Matters

When a public figure shares false content, it spreads fast. Millions of people saw Trump’s post before any fact-check. Even after corrections appear, the original message can stick in people’s minds.

Therefore, calls to remove the false video go beyond this one family. They highlight a wider issue of online responsibility. When leaders share misinformation, they help it gain credibility. Then, it becomes harder to stop.

By taking down the video, President Trump could show respect for the truth. He could also help improve discussions around political violence. This choice might set a positive example for other public figures.

Broader Issues of Social Media and Accountability

This incident underscores the power of social media platforms like Truth Social. On these sites, content moderates rarely enforce strict rules. Users often see posts based on algorithms, not accuracy.

As a result, unverified claims can spread rapidly. They bypass traditional fact-checking steps. In this case, the false video misled many viewers before any official statement could correct it.

Experts say platforms should add clear labels or remove harmful misinformation. Some social media sites now flag content that violates policies. However, Truth Social has no such system.

Therefore, accountability rests largely on individuals. When a public figure shares a false video, they must correct or remove it quickly. Failing to do so can erode trust in all online information.

Call to Action: Respect for Facts and Families

Colin and Sophie Hortman offered a simple request. They asked President Trump to take down the false video. They said an apology would help honor their mother’s memory.

Beyond this case, they want people to think before they share. They ask friends, neighbors, and leaders to pause and verify facts. They believe that simple steps can prevent more families from suffering online attacks.

In their holiday statement, the siblings reminded everyone of the true nature of their mother’s work. She stood for justice, health care, and the voices of those without power. They asked readers to carry on her spirit by choosing truth over rumor.

Moving forward, the Hortman family hopes to see changes in how social media handles misinformation. They believe that stronger rules and swift removals will help protect grieving families. They see this as a chance for all of us to demand higher standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did President Trump share a false video?

He posted a video on Truth Social suggesting Gov. Walz ordered the assassination of Melissa Hortman. The claim had no basis in facts and misrepresented official reports.

What did the official investigation find?

The Department of Justice determined that a GOP voter named Vance Boelter killed Melissa Hortman. He impersonated law enforcement to gain entry to her home. Investigators found no link to her legislative vote.

How did Colin and Sophie Hortman respond?

They asked President Trump to remove the false video and apologize. They said the misinformation reopened wounds as they continued to grieve their mother’s death.

What can social media platforms do about misinformation?

Platforms can add fact-check labels, flag harmful content, or remove outright false claims. Stronger enforcement and clear policies can slow the spread of misinformation.