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.
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.
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.
MPR News will add more reactions as they come in.
