Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve condemned what she described as the “radicalization rooted in white power” in the wake of the shootings of two state lawmakers in Minnesota on Saturday. Reeve tied the growing political unrest in the United States to broader cultural and ideological shifts that she claims began after President Donald Trump entered office.
The attacks occurred early Saturday when a man posing as a law enforcement officer entered the home of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Both were critically injured but survived. The suspect then traveled to the residence of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Both were fatally shot.
Authorities later identified the shooter as Vance Luther Boelter, a former appointee of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Boelter was reportedly operating a vehicle modified to resemble a police SUV and was wearing a fake law enforcement uniform. Police later recovered documents inside the vehicle listing the names of multiple elected officials and “No Kings” protest fliers, which were associated with nationwide demonstrations held the same day.
Reeve spoke to reporters following the incident, criticizing what she called the weaponization of political rhetoric.
“It’s certainly hitting close to home,” Reeve said. “The radicalization that has occurred since, I think, it is very clear, the timing of when our country started to turn.”
Though Reeve did not mention President Trump by name, she appeared to connect his presidency to a broader cultural shift she finds alarming. “When inclusion became weaponized, it is a time now more than ever when we need to stand in that, and inclusion is the path,” she said.
The coach also addressed the ideological roots of the violence. “It is all rooted in power – white power, no less,” Reeve stated.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that Boelter had planned his attacks with the intent to target political figures. In addition to fake police gear and weaponry, his vehicle contained literature connected to radical protest movements.
Despite the overt political overtones, officials have not yet confirmed a specific motive.
Reeve’s remarks come amid heightened political tensions and increased scrutiny on anti-government rhetoric. The “No Kings” protests, aimed at President Trump and his supporters, were organized to coincide with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary celebrations in Washington, D.C. Organizers had attempted to disrupt patriotic events with demonstrations in various cities.
Hortman and her husband are survived by two children. Senator Hoffman remains hospitalized.
