Grief, anger prevail in reactions to killing of House DFL leader Hortman
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Reactions of grief, anger and outrage poured into Minnesota on Saturday from across the nation and the world on news that Minnesota House Democratic Leader Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, in what Gov. Tim Walz described said “appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”
A second Democrat, state Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife Yvette, were also shot and wounded at their home in Champlin.
President Donald Trump called it a “terrible shooting,” adding that the FBI is investigating. Gov. Tim Walz said “our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service.”
Here’s a sampling of other reactions, edited for length.
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Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison
Melissa was a force in Minnesota politics who understood what it meant to be a public servant. She was tough, she was kind, and she was the best of us. The Attorney General's Office will do whatever it can to assist law enforcement in their investigation.
Minnesota GOP House Speaker Lisa Demuth
I am shocked and horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight. Please lift up in prayer the victims, as well as the law enforcement personnel working to apprehend the perpetrator.
GOP U.S. Rep. Tom Emmer
No public official — or any American — should fear for their safety in their own home, and we condemn this despicable act of political violence.
Minnesota Senate GOP Leader Mark Johnson
My heart is broken over the events that unfolded overnight and the loss of life, security, and peace that we are all feeling right now. Senate Republicans are unified in our condemnation of this brazen act of violence.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty
Political violence is an attack on democracy. It is the result of violent political rhetoric that dehumanizes and makes all community members less safe. Please be safe and know that the person who committed these horrific attacks will be held accountable.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey
We have assigned additional police resources to check on the safety of public officials who may be at risk, and to actively participate in the manhunt to bring this suspect to justice. Political violence is evil. It cannot be tolerated, and neither can those who condone it or make excuses for it.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum
This is a shocking and heinous act of targeted political violence against elected officials. Minnesotans of all political backgrounds must unite to condemn this and all politically motivated acts of violence. In a democracy, we do not respond to acts of public policy with acts of violence motivated by extremism.
Democratic U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison
(Morrison’s district includes Brooklyn Park). What happened in our district today was a horrific act of targeted political violence. (Hortman) was deeply revered and beloved by all. This is a dark and devastating moment for our country. These egregious acts of violence have no place in our democracy and in our communities.
Minnesota House DFL Caucus
We are shocked and devastated at the shootings of our colleagues, and at the assassination of our Speaker, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. This is an unspeakable act of political violence that should never happen in the United States of America.
Melissa talked a lot about following the Golden Rule, and the value that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Generations of Minnesotans will be better off thanks to her leadership. She was a dear friend to so many, and this caucus will miss her and Mark greatly.
St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter
Melissa believed in people enough to fight for them — not for headlines or attention, but because she cared. Her work, her wisdom, and her friendship meant a great deal to me, and to so many who had the privilege to know her.
This shakes us to the core — not just because of who was targeted, but because of what it says about where we are.
Joint statement from Minnesota’s congressional delegation
Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.
Archbishop Bernard Hebda, Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis
I ask all people of goodwill to join me in prayer for the repose of the souls of Minnesota House Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, along with prayers of recovery for Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
The Catholic bishops of Minnesota and I met annually with Speaker-Emerita Hortman and I knew her to be an honorable public servant. Although we disagreed on some issues, we worked collaboratively to find common ground on others in pursuit of the common good.
It is wrong for our elected representatives to have to live in fear of violence and we must do everything in our power to regain a sense of civility in our discourse, especially when we disagree.
Former GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty
"She and Senator Hoffman ... they both had hearts for service. The were interested not so much in their personal advancement. They were interested in trying to get things done for their vision of what they thought was the common good."
MPR News will add more reactions as they come in.
