CNN’s chief media analyst Brian Stelter is facing widespread criticism for remarks made following the recent shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses.
The comments were made Saturday, just days after the attack left former Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, dead. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were also injured and remain hospitalized.
Walz announces that Rep. Melissa Hortman is dead as a result of a “politically motivated assassination” pic.twitter.com/BBTAhTmseV
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 14, 2025
Trump’s Sovereign Wealth Fund: What Could It Mean For Your Money?
The suspect remains at large.
Stelter, who previously hosted CNN’s “Reliable Sources” until the network canceled the show and terminated his contract in August 2022, returned to the network in September 2024 in a newly created role as chief media analyst. His rehiring followed a leadership shakeup at the network.
In the aftermath of the Minnesota shooting, Stelter commented publicly before law enforcement officials had released details about the suspect’s background or motive.
This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year
His remarks suggested a political narrative behind the incident, despite no evidence to support such claims at the time.
The statement prompted swift backlash from media observers and political analysts, who criticized Stelter for drawing premature conclusions in the absence of verified information.
Hey Brian, in which direction do these point? Asking for a friend pic.twitter.com/xgjR73Gz8R
— John Hasson (@SonofHas) June 14, 2025
Among those responding was Fox News contributor Joe Concha, who called Stelter’s comments “reckless” and accused him of politicizing a developing criminal investigation.
— 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (@gothamcapital1) June 14, 2025
Commentator Stephen L. Miller, a well-known media critic, also pushed back on Stelter’s interpretation of the event.
What Brian Stelter did is worse than what Terry Moran did.
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) June 14, 2025
Brian Stelter should be fired. pic.twitter.com/L93tUEU7Ls
— Stephen L. Miller (@redsteeze) June 14, 2025
The case remains under active investigation.
According to local and federal law enforcement, no formal determination has been made regarding the suspect’s political affiliations or motivations.
Authorities have confirmed that the shooter impersonated a law enforcement officer and gained access to the victims’ residence in Champlin, Minnesota.
The FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are assisting local police in the search for the suspect. Officials are urging the public to provide any information that could assist in locating the individual.
Firebombing Tesla dealerships. Keying cars. Violent rioting. Attacking federal agents. Storming detention facilities. Calling ICE Agents “nazis” that need to be unmasked. Storming a press conference to grandstand.
Stelter thinks Trump is responsible for all that. https://t.co/zKclqCsv88
— MAZE (@mazemoore) June 14, 2025
Stelter’s comments come amid broader scrutiny of CNN’s editorial direction.
The network made changes under former CEO Chris Licht, who emphasized a return to fact-based reporting.
After Licht’s departure, CNN’s leadership reversed some of those decisions, which included rehiring Stelter.
And… replies are turned off because this “reporter” refuses to apologize for blaming a political side less than an hour after a shooting. https://t.co/cEM1oSdoPW
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) June 14, 2025
The incident also highlighted renewed concerns over media accuracy and responsibility during breaking news events.
Some journalists and critics have reiterated the importance of waiting for verified facts before offering commentary on criminal incidents, particularly those involving elected officials or politically charged circumstances.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, meanwhile, remains involved in separate legal proceedings surrounding federal deployment authority after recent riots in Los Angeles.
Federal officials have not indicated whether there is any connection between the Minnesota shooting and the recent civil unrest on the West Coast.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, public officials have called for calm and have asked that the public refrain from speculation until all facts are confirmed by law enforcement.
Russell Brand mocking Stelter is my favorite thing of 2022. I can’t stop laughing 😂😂😂 For my safety, someone please stop @rustyrockets 😂😂😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Xzu2FHDhUs
— Thelonious Bosch (@TheloniousBosch) February 3, 2022
Connect with Vetted Off-Duty Cops to Instantly Fulfill Your Security Needs
Read the full article here
