More than 50 Minnesota state legislators sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz requesting action be taken against a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources employee who made a controversial Facebook post following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The legislators previously requested action in July, but Walz did not address the situation. The new letter expresses concern over the employee’s statement and the potential impact on public discourse and political violence. The DNR condemned the employee’s statement but cited legal limitations on further comment. Legislators are troubled by the precedent this could set for public employees and the need for accountability, especially in the current political climate with acts of violence. Legal experts suggest that as a public entity, the DNR must consider additional legal factors when taking disciplinary action. They note a Supreme Court case in 1987 regarding comments made by a public employee in relation to an assassination attempt on then-President Ronald Reagan. Despite potential legal implications, the legislators argue that the governor can still take action, such as calling for resignation or commenting on employee behavior. The letter highlights the importance of accountability and maintaining peaceful political discourse in the state. Governor Walz’s office referred inquiries to the DNR, which is actively investigating the employee’s post.
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