Following the tragic shootings in Minnesota that claimed the lives of Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife critically injured, former NFL player Jack Brewer publicly blamed the state’s Democratic leadership. Brewer, who once played for the Minnesota Vikings, harshly criticized Governor Tim Walz, calling Minnesota “the capital of chaos.” In an interview with Fox News, he lamented the decline of what he remembered as a respectful and safe state. Brewer accused Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison of failing to maintain order and security, and called for a “return to masculinity,” labeling Walz as a “weak, emasculated leader.” He further claimed that Democrats have become intolerant of dissent, even within their own party.

Former President Donald Trump also condemned the shootings, branding Governor Walz as “grossly incompetent.” Though he had not yet contacted Walz, Trump stated that his administration would be actively involved in the investigation, calling the violence politically motivated and horrific. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the FBI and Department of Justice are coordinating closely with local law enforcement, while FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reported that agents are fully deployed on the ground. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was captured after a two-day manhunt. Investigators found “No Kings” signs in his vehicle, suggesting political motivations tied to protests against Trump-era immigration policies, pointing to possible ideological motives behind the deadly attack.