MAGA lawmaker under fire over claim Tim Walz wants to 'wage a Civil War'

In response to the fatal shooting in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) has put the National Guard on alert to mobilize if unrest escalates — but one of Minnesota's pro-Trump lawmakers then accused him of trying to incite civil war against the federal government.

Rep. Pete Stauber based his claim on a line from Walz's press conference in which he said, "When things looked bleak, it was Minnesota's 1st that held that line for the nation on July 3rd, 1863, and I think now we may be in that moment" — apparently unaware that in that instance, Minnesota troops were fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg, against traitors who incited civil war.

"In a time when Minnesotans need calm, reasonable, and steady leadership, Tim Walz threatens to use our National Guard sons and daughters to wage a Civil War against the federal government," Stauber wrote on X. "Minnesotans deserve so much better than Tim Walz."

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, however, was quick to smack down Stauber's remark.

"Just stop it. You know full well the National Guard is on standby should they be needed to protect public safety," wrote Smith. "Why don’t you tell people the truth? You'd criticize the Governor if he didn’t take this step. Spreading misinformation/fear in this way should be below even you."

Smith wasn't the only voice of outrage. The official account for the Minnesota Young DFL also responded, posting, "You’re full of s---, Pete. We deserve better than representatives who fan the flames of division for their own political gain."