Political leaders from across the spectrum and around the country have come together to condemn the recent violence in Minnesota, where former state Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured in what authorities are calling “politically motivated assassinations.”
This tragic incident is just the latest in a series of politically fueled attacks that have rocked the nation in recent weeks, including the shooting of Israeli embassy staffers in Washington. In response to these senseless acts of violence, lawmakers from both parties have issued a united call for calm and unity.
California’s Democratic Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher issued a rare joint statement denouncing the violence and urging for a de-escalation of tensions. They emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions and working towards peace in society.
Leaders from the California state Senate, Democratic Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire and Republican Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones, echoed these sentiments, stating that no cause justifies the use of fear or force against fellow human beings.
Minnesota’s congressional delegation, including Democratic Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, as well as Republican Rep. Tom Emmer, also condemned the attack in a joint statement, emphasizing that there is no place for politically motivated violence in a democracy.
Saturday’s shooting has deeply unsettled politicians from both parties, who have faced increasing threats and violence in recent years. State lawmakers, in particular, often lack adequate security resources and face heightened risks due to the nature of their part-time roles.
Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell emphasized that public officials do not sign up for such violence when they enter office, and called for an end to threats from political extremists.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, a former Democratic vice presidential nominee, urged for calm and cautioned against attending protests in the state out of safety concerns. He emphasized the importance of resolving differences through peaceful means and civil public debate.
Governors across the country, including Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, have also joined in condemning the attacks and calling for unity in the face of such violence. They emphasized the need to safeguard the public square as a place of debate, not danger.
