Pawlenty pushes back on claims linking Walz to suspect in shootings

ST PAUL, Minn. — As conspiracy theories continue to circulate online about Gov. Tim Walz’s connection to the man accused of shooting two state lawmakers and their spouses, former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty is speaking out to set the record straight.

In the days following the deadly attacks, misinformation spread rapidly across social media — fueled in part by political commentary, including remarks from President Donald Trump. At the center of the claims is Vance Boelter, the alleged shooter, and his previous appointment to a Minnesota workforce advisory board.

Walz did reappoint Boelter to the state board. However, Boelter was initially appointed under former Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, a Democrat.

Pawlenty, a Republican, said it is misleading to suggest that Walz had a personal or political connection to Boelter through the appointment.

“It pains me to see so many people grabbing little things and twisting them into conspiracies,” Pawlenty said in an interview with KARE11 on Wednesday.

Pawlenty noted that Minnesota has more than 100 state boards and commissions, most of which are volunteer-based and low-profile. With more than 1,000 appointees, he said, the governor typically does not personally vet or know each member.

“Most of them are advisory or volunteer, low profile… they get some screening by the governor’s office, but not a ton,” he said. “Most of the people who serve come from all walks of life across the state, and the governor in most instances, wouldn’t necessarily know these individuals.”

Trump addressed the issue during a campaign stop, saying:

“He appointed this guy to a position. I think the governor of Minnesota is so whacked out,” Trump said.

“Making connections that really aren’t fair — or don’t exist — just distracts from what happened and who was hurt,” Pawlenty said.

Pawlenty said the claims being spread are not only false, but dangerous.

“I’m really saddened by the state of our public discourse and our politics,” he said.

“And whether you’re a Republican or Democrat or an independent — we all need to do better and be better.”