Politics & Government

Minnesota Republicans Blame Offensive Facebook Post On 'Hack'

The Wabasha County GOP Facebook page shared an image comparing the statewide mask mandate to the Holocaust Monday.

Jennifer Carnahan​, Chairwoman of the Minnesota Republican Party, said the incident was likely the result of a "hack."
Jennifer Carnahan​, Chairwoman of the Minnesota Republican Party, said the incident was likely the result of a "hack." (Colin Miner/Patch)

WABASHA COUNTY, MN — Minnesota Republicans say a "hack" is the reason an offensive image was shared on the Wabasha County GOP Facebook page Monday. The page was widely condemned after posting a meme that compared the statewide mask mandate to the Holocaust.

Jewish Community Action called the image "especially disgusting" and said it "betrays a total lack of both empathy and education."

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Jennifer Carnahan, Chairwoman of the Minnesota Republican Party, said the incident was likely the result of a "hack."

The Wabasha County GOP has since deleted its Facebook page.

Find out what's happening in Across Minnesotafor free with the latest updates from Patch.

On Saturday, a statewide mandate directing Minnesotans to wear masks in public went into effect. Gov. Tim Walz and his administration cited researchers who advocated for mask-wearing, calling it a simple and effective step to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Read more: Gov. Walz Signs Statewide Mask Mandate In Minnesota: What To Know

The Minnesota Republican Party did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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