Nearly four months after the attempted assassination of President-elect Donald Trump, a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) employee who publicly expressed approval of the attack has yet to face any disciplinary action.
The employee, Tyler Janke, came under scrutiny after writing, “Too bad they weren’t a better shot” in response to the July assassination attempt, according to screenshots shared online and a report from ABC 6.
No disciplinary action months after controversy
The comment, made shortly after the attack, drew widespread condemnation.
The Minnesota DNR quickly denounced the statement as “reprehensible” and pledged to “take all appropriate steps in alignment with state law and policy.”
Alpha News followed up with the DNR in September and November, obtaining records through a data request that revealed Janke, a Natural Resources Program Consultant earning an annual salary of $85,232, has no disciplinary actions on his record as of Nov. 6.
The MN DNR says it is "thoroughly examining the matter" after one of its employees said "too bad they weren't a better shot" after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump https://t.co/95J73StsRo pic.twitter.com/VJJ5nZpMvS
— Alpha News (@AlphaNewsMN) July 16, 2024
DNR condemns comments but fails to discipline employee
This lack of disciplinary action by the DNR stands in stark contrast to the agency’s initial statement, which unequivocally denounced the attack.
“Violence or the threat of violence has absolutely no place in American politics. The recent assassination attempt on former President Trump was a heinous act with tragic consequences. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources vehemently rejects the use of violence, or the insinuation of violence, in any form,” the DNR said at the time.
The attack occurred on July 13 in Butler, Pa., during a rally where Trump was addressing supporters. A 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop, striking Trump in the ear, killing rallygoer Corey Comperatore, and injuring two others.
Assassination attempt sparks bipartisan criticism
Trump, narrowly avoiding serious injury, ducked as shots rang out and was immediately shielded by Secret Service agents. He was rushed off stage, blood streaming down his face, but managed to pump his fist and mouth “fight, fight, fight” to the crowd before exiting.
In a subsequent interview with the Washington Examiner, Trump reflected on his survival, attributing it to a split-second movement. “I’m really not supposed to be here,” he said. “I turned my head at the exact right time. It was a miracle.”
In the aftermath, Kimberly Cheatle, former director of the U.S. Secret Service, resigned following intense bipartisan criticism and scrutiny over security lapses during the assassination attempt.
In September, the DNR told Alpha News that there was an “ongoing” investigation into Janke.
“The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act limits the agency’s ability to provide a comment in response to your questions, and any data related to the nature of the investigation is private,” the agency said.
When contacted this week, the agency said it has no further comment and did not respond to a question about whether the investigation has concluded.
Update: The DNR responded after publication to say that the investigation remains ongoing.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
