Helena Candidate’s Voicemail to Sen. Tim Sheehy: ‘Wished Cancer, Death’
A recent incident involving Helena city commission candidate Haley McKnight has attracted significant attention. McKnight left a voicemail for U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, expressing controversial sentiments regarding his political actions.
Voicemail Controversy and Political Backlash
On July 1, 2023, Haley McKnight called the office of Republican Senator Tim Sheehy. In her message, she condemned his support for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is associated with the Trump administration. In a heated tone, McKnight wished that Sheehy would contract pancreatic cancer and die in the street.
According to McKnight, her voicemail was born from a “justified rage.” She criticized the senator for affecting the healthcare of millions of Americans. In an interview with Montana Free Press, she admitted to leaving the message but expressed regret only regarding her language.
City Commission Election Context
Haley McKnight is one of four candidates competing for two seats on the Helena City Commission. The election is nonpartisan and set for Tuesday. Approximately 32% of ballots had been returned by last week, according to election officials.
Following the voicemail’s public disclosure by the National Review, McKnight contended that the timing was politically motivated. She felt the release aimed to undermine her candidacy as election day approaches.
Reactions and Security Concerns
- McKnight reported receiving numerous death threats after the voicemail’s exposure.
- Sheehy’s spokesperson stated that they had only recently become aware of the voicemail and reported it to law enforcement.
- In response, McKnight insisted that her message was not a threat, asserting that she wanted to express her passionate views.
Despite backlash, McKnight reaffirmed her commitment to advocacy. She described herself as a “firebrand,” ensuring voters that she would continue to voice her opinions candidly. Her intention remains to fight passionately for the people of Montana.
