Minnesota senators shooting: Donald Trump says talking to Governor Tim Walz is wasting of time

Tensions are high in Minnesota after two state legislators and their spouses were shot and killed. President Donald Trump sparked outrage by refusing to call Governor Tim Walz as the state reels. People from all sides of the political spectrum reacted strongly to this.

Why did Donald Trump refuse to call Governor Walz?

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump expressed his belief that calling Minnesota Governor Tim Walz would be a “waste of time.”

The President spoke to reporters early Tuesday on Air Force One as he returned to Washington.


In response to a question about whether he had called Walz yet, Trump declared, "I'm not calling him," calling the Democratic governor "slick" and "whacked out,” as per a report by The AP.

He asserted that he doesn't call Walz very often. Trump said Walz was "whacked out" and he didn't want to send condolences. He also questions the time-wasting nature of such a call.

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During the flight, Trump seemed uninterested in contacting Walz. Throughout the campaign, Walz repeatedly described Trump and other Republican politicians as "just weird."

Presidents frequently extend condolences and, if necessary, federal assistance to other elected officials, such as governors and mayors, following tragedies like mass murders or natural disasters.

How are officials responding to the tragedy?

Walz stated in an interview with Minnesota Public Radio on Monday that he was not shocked by Trump's lack of outreach.

Walz claimed to have talked to former President Joe Biden, Harris, and Ford, as well as Vice President JD Vance, and he understood where that was coming from.

What is known about the shooting suspect?

In the early Saturday shootings, one lawmaker and her husband were killed, and another lawmaker and his wife were seriously wounded. On Sunday, a suspect turned himself in.

Trump seemed to be referring to Vance Boelter, who turned himself in to Minnesota police following a manhunt that lasted almost two days, when he said that "this guy" had been appointed to a position.

Vance Boelter, a former political appointee, has been charged with murder and stalking by the police. Alongside former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Boelter, a former politician, was a member of the state workforce development board, as per a report by The AP.

FAQs

Did Donald Trump offer any federal assistance following the shootings?
No, Trump said calling Governor Walz was a "waste of time."

Who is the suspect in the Minnesota shootings?
Vance Boelter, a former state appointee with previous ties to Minnesota Democrats, has been charged with murder and stalking.