A tragic series of shootings in Duluth, Minnesota, has left five dead, including a man, his wife, ex-partner, and two children, following the election of President-elect Donald Trump on November 5. Authorities confirmed that 46-year-old Anthony Nephew, who had a history of mental health issues, is responsible for the deaths, which occurred in two separate homes.

According to Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa, Nephew’s actions were linked to his long-standing mental health challenges. On Friday, authorities discovered the bodies of Nephew’s ex-partner, 47-year-old Erin Abramson, and their 15-year-old son, Jacob Nephew, inside their home, both victims of apparent gunshot wounds. Later, police identified Nephew as the suspect and found his 45-year-old wife, Kathryn Nephew, and their 7-year-old son, Oliver Nephew, dead from similar wounds at the family’s residence nearby.

Before the tragedy, Nephew had shared numerous anti-Trump and politically charged posts on his Facebook account, expressing disillusionment with the state of the nation. In one post from July, he wrote, “My mental health and the world can no longer peacefully coexist, and a lot of the reason is religion,” detailing intrusive thoughts and fears related to religious extremism. Nephew also expressed frustrations with the political system, referencing the dystopian themes of The Handmaid’s Tale and accusing Republicans of hindering women’s ability to escape abusive relationships.

In 2021, Nephew had publicly discussed his mental health struggles in an op-ed for the Duluth News Tribune, stating, “For millions of Americans, a breakdown leads to suicide—or homicide before suicide.” He described how mental health issues are stigmatized and ignored in the U.S., calling for more understanding and better support.

While the exact motive for the killings has not yet been determined, Duluth police have assured the community there is no ongoing threat. The incident has raised further concerns about the intersection of mental health, violence, and political polarization in America.