Statements Reacting to Fatal Shooting of Former Minnesota House Speaker
DULUTH, Minn: – A number of Northland elected officials, Minnesota government leaders, and various organizations have been releasing statements following the shooting death of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband.
This shooting is currently under investigation, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, which are connected to the same suspect.
Below is a list of some of those that have come into the Fox 21 Newsroom. This page will be updated as we receive more of them.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz:
“Today Minnesota lost a great leader, and I lost a friend. A formidable public servant and a fixture of the state Capitol, Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness. Minnesota’s thoughts are with her loved ones, and my prayers are with Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot and wounded and are being treated.
“We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence – and I call on everyone to join me in that commitment.
“To the responding officers, thank you for your bravery and your swift action. A state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigation is underway, and we will spare no resource in bringing those responsible to justice. We will not let fear win.”
Duluth Mayor Roger Reinert:
“The news of the politically-motivated murder of MN House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse and attempt on the lives of Senator John Hoffman and his wife this morning are shocking and horrifying. There is no room for political violence in Duluth, or in Minnesota. This is not how we solve problems here, and it’s not how we get our ideas across. Today is an opportunity for each of us to ask ourselves, are we doing things to help combat this growing trend, or contribute to it?
Melissa and John are both personal friends. Melissa was the mentor for my freshman class when I was elected to the House. John and I served in the Senate together and quickly became friends. I am praying for their families and ask you to join me.”
Minnesota State Senator Keri Heintzemam (R-Nissaw):
“There is no place for violence in our state. What happened today was evil, and Josh and I condemn it in the strongest possible terms. We’re grateful to law enforcement and Capitol security for their ongoing work in this active situation, and we’ll continue to keep all those affected in our prayers as we wait for more information.”
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 was an incredible leader who dedicated her life to public service. She led our caucus with integrity, grace, and with determination to improve people’s lives. We are holding in our hearts Melissa and Mark’s families, their friends, their legislative family, and all who knew and loved them.
“Melissa talked a lot about following the Golden Rule, and the value that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ She felt she had the ability and the obligation to serve others. And serve others she did. Minnesota is an immeasurably better state because Melissa Hortman chose to serve. 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.
“We are also thinking about Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, and we hope for their speedy recovery. We are grateful to law enforcement and the first responders who responded to these horrific acts, and we thank them for the ongoing work to apprehend the suspect and keep Minnesota’s public servants safe.”
Joint Statement from Minnesota 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.”
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison:
I’m beyond heartbroken at the news of the death of Melissa and Mark Hortman. Melissa and I were friends for over two decades. She was wise, she was caring, she was brilliant, and her smile lifted people up in good times and helped them through the bad.
As a legislator and Speaker, Melissa relied on a strong moral compass and an unwavering dedication to her community and the state of Minnesota. She knew it was right to take care of the vulnerable. She knew it was right to stand up to bullies, to give second chances, and to embrace people without regard for personal or political differences.
Melissa was a force in Minnesota politics who understood what it meant to be a public servant. She knew how to stand firm on her values but understood the importance of teamwork and compromise and never backed down from hard choices. She was tough, she was kind, and she was the best of us.
Today, I am grieving for Melissa and her husband Mark. I am also grieving for Minnesota, as we try and navigate this difficult moment, when the tools of division and hateful, violent discourse have become far too common in our political and social landscapes. Through all the ups and downs of public life, Melissa never lost sight of what’s right, and always stood on the side of fairness, and of justice. We can honor Melissa and Mark by doing the same.
The Attorney General’s Office will do whatever it can to assist law enforcement in their investigation. My heart goes out to Melissa’s and Mark’s two children and their families. I’m also praying for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and wish them a full and speedy recovery. And I hope Minnesotans can offer grace, care, and kindness to each other in the days ahead.
Superior Mayor Jim Paine:
“The shocking assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette are an inexcusable attack on our democracy and we hope for swift justice. Superior stands with all our neighbors in Minnesota today but especially the families of the victims. I’m praying for the recovery of the Hoffans and peace for the Hortman family.”
