In a show of decency, US Senator Eric Schmitt denounces Minnesota shootings | Opinion
I’m not all that surprised that President Donald Trump refused to call Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz after politically motivated shootings there — compassion and empathy is not 47’s style.
However, I was pleased to see that Missouri U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Republican, had enough decency to condemn the political violence that claimed the life of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.
In a separate incident the same day, Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were severely injured during a shooting at their home.
On Sunday, suspected shooter Vance Boelter, 57, surrendered to authorities in Minnesota after an intense manhunt there.
In the aftermath of Saturday’s deadly shooting, Schmitt told Fox News that political violence has no place in our society and is a very dangerous road to go down.
“I think now is the time to sort of pump the brakes and let people know that this is completely unacceptable,” Schmitt told the outlet.
It’s not all that often that I agree with Schmitt — this former Missouri attorney general’s litigious ways rubbed many in our state the wrong way — but I applaud him for denouncing these abhorrent acts on Fox News.
“I think it’s incumbent on all of us, Republicans and Democrats, to speak out against political violence no matter if it’s a Republican or Democrat that is targeted,” Schmitt said.
Well said, Sen. Schmitt. I am sure well-meaning Missourians and Minnesotans appreciate your tact during these trying times.
While Schmitt was quick to call out these actions, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, has remained relatively quiet on the issue. Fellow Kansas Republicans such as U.S. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall have been mum, too.
So far, U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat in Roeland Park, hasn’t said much about these unwarranted attacks either.
I searched each of these elected officials’ social media accounts as of Tuesday afternoon looking for a statement denouncing political violence but found none, which is extremely disappointing.
Cleaver on list
I was surprised to learn U.S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat from Kansas City, was on the suspected shooter’s hit list.
On Monday, Cleaver’s office confirmed his name was included on a list of targets associated with the shootings in Minnesota, according to reports. In a post on X, Cleaver condemned the violence that could have touched much closer to home.
“My deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of those lost, as well as the communities who were devastated by the killings,” he wrote on Monday. “We all must continue to condemn political violence in all forms.”
Thankfully, Cleaver condemned the violence that could have touched home.
“Thankful to the law enforcement officials who apprehended the alleged assassin in Minnesota,” Cleaver wrote on X.
Trump: ‘I could be nice and call’
But back to Trump. Historically, it is widely known that sitting presidents have called state and local politicians after high-profile shootings or natural disasters. These calls are not all that uncommon — Trump himself has previously offered condolences to other Democratic officials affected by needless violence. As NBC news reported, Trump called Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, after an arson attack at the governor’s home this year.
Some of you may recall former President Joe Biden called Trump after a would-be assassin shot at him during a campaign stop in Butler, Pennsylvania. It’s apparent to me that Trump doesn’t remember that conversation — or he just doesn’t care about anyone that opposes his views or warped policies.
On Tuesday, Trump said he would not call Walz, a political rival and candidate for vice president in the 2024 presidential election.
“I could call and say, ‘Hi, how you doing?’ The guy doesn’t have a clue,” Trump told reporters.
In a moment to show some level of grace, Trump instead added insult to injury by describing Walz as “a mess.”
“So I could be nice and call, but why waste time?” Trump said.
Ladies and gentleman, I hate to state the obvious, but Trump’s slight against Walz during a national tragedy was not very presidential.
