WASHINGTON, D.C. – On December 10^th, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) wrote to Minnesota State University (MSU), Mankato President Edward Inch making him aware of a now-scrubbed social media post by political science professor, Kevin Parsneau. In the post, Parsneau stated he hoped UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s killer would commit additional violence, saying “It’s going to be disappointing if he’s a one-off killer instead of a serial killer.”

After Congressman Finstad called for Parsneau’s resignation from MSU Mankato, the StarTribune reported that Parsneau believes his comment was “meant to be about the larger social media reaction to the crime, which I believe reflects public frustration with the health insurance industry and the countless tragic stories of denied health care. Rep. Finstad should spend his time addressing that crisis instead of being a cancel culture activist.”

David FitzSimmons, Chief of Staff for Congressman Finstad, countered saying, “Rather than take the opportunity to humble himself and apologize for his unconscionable statements, Professor Parsneau is now choosing to deflect responsibility and blame Congressman Finstad for showing leadership in demanding accountability from individuals in academia, like Professor Parsneau, who use their platform to advocate for violence. Professor Parsneau has shown no remorse for making such comments and has even suggested that he is immune from disciplinary action by the university as a member of the faculty union.

“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Professor Parsneau has a history of making social media posts with dangerous rhetoric that goes far beyond so-called ‘dark humor’. This kind of conduct online – or anywhere – is reprehensible and absolutely unacceptable for a professor of higher education, plain and simple.”

Freedom of speech is the bedrock of American democracy, however, Parsneau’s record of past inflammatory comments underscore his clear bias and disdain for democratic principles with a well-documented pattern of encouraging political violence – providing yet another example of why many southern Minnesota students and their parents have lost faith in academic institutions: 

July 13, 2024 – On the day of the attempted assassination of President-elect Trump, Parsneau responded to a post which read, “Too soon?” with a graphic displaying the text, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” and replied: “Not too soon.” 

July 13, 2024 – Parsneau replied to a commenter of a post which read, “I would’ve hit that pumpkin from 400 yards,” and stated: “Oh yeah? Can you prove it?” 

September 30, 2024 – Parsneau called President-elect Trump and “anyone who supports [him]” a “traitor.” 

November 11, 2024 – Parsneau accused those who voted for President-elect Trump on November 5 of “betraying democracy” and “treason.” 

November 13, 2024 – Parsneau stated: “As a reminder, non-violent resistance didn’t work against Fascists. It only works on opponents with human decency.” 

November 14, 2024 – Parsneau used derogatory language to describe President-elect Trump’s cabinet nominees and all of President-elect Trump’s voters.