Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
yesterday

Trump Jr’s Baseless Trans Terror Claim Follows Minnesota Lawmakers’ Shooting

Fact-checkers have cited data showing this population suffers far higher rates of violent victimization than it commits violent crimes.

ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - JUNE 16: A woman lays flowers at a makeshift memorial for DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman at the Minnesota State Capitol building on June 16, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Law enforcement agencies captured a suspect in the killing of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were shot at their home on June 14th. DFL State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and hospitalized in a separate incident. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said during a press conference that the shooting "appears to be a politically motivated assassination." (Photo by Steven Garcia/Getty Images)
ST PAUL, MINNESOTA - JUNE 16: A makeshift memorial for DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman is seen at the Minnesota State Capitol building on June 16, 2025 in St. Paul, Minnesota. Law enforcement agencies captured a suspect in the killing of DFL State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were shot at their home on June 14th. DFL State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and hospitalized in a separate incident. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said during a press conference that the shooting "appears to be a politically motivated assassination." (Photo by Steven Garcia/Getty Images)
Image
Image

Overview

  • Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested on June 15 after a two-day manhunt for allegedly murdering Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and for wounding state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
  • He faces six federal charges including murder, firearms offenses and stalking, and his bail was set at $5 million.
  • Governor Tim Walz described the shootings as targeted political violence rather than random acts.
  • On June 17, Donald Trump Jr claimed the trans community is the “most violent domestic terror threat” during a discussion with podcaster Benny Johnson despite a lack of supporting evidence.
  • Research from the Williams Institute and The Violence Project shows trans individuals are far more likely to be victims of violent crimes than perpetrators.