Denouncing Political Violence and Mourning the Assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman
Mr. Speaker, Minnesota and our nation suffered an unthinkable tragedy in the early hours of January 14th, when our state’s elected officials were attacked in politically-motivated shootings.
Minnesotans are devastated by the assassinations of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. These are shocking and heinous acts of targeted political violence against elected officials. They were clearly intended to instill fear in our communities.
The additional attempt that night to target Senator Ann Rest and Representative Kristin Bahner demonstrate that this tragedy could have been much worse without the swift actions of Minnesota law enforcement personnel. They deserve our deep gratitude for their coordinated actions to apprehend the suspect.
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.
On Wednesday, the entire House of Representatives—both Democrats and Republicans – stood united to unanimously pass a resolution condemning the politically motivated violence against Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, her husband Mark, and Senator John Hoff and his wife Yvette. We spoke in one voice to unequivocally denounce acts of political violence.
But even as Congress stands together to oppose this attack on our democracy, Minnesotans continue to mourn the unbearable loss of one of our nation’s finest public servants.
I first met Melissa Hortman in 1998 when we knocked doors together during her first campaign for public office. Back then, I was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Melissa was a young, determined candidate running in a district that would be difficult for any Democrat to win — but she clearly shared our Minnesota values and demonstrated her ability to form a meaningful connection to her constituents.
She didn't win that race, or the next one, but six years later, in 2004 I was thrilled when she won a seat in the Minnesota House, and was delighted when she was elected Speaker of the House in 2019.
Thanks to the work of Speaker Hortman, together with Governor Walz and DFL legislators during the 2023 legislative session, Minnesota’s students have free meals in school. Families have access to paid family leave. Women’s reproductive rights are protected. All Minnesota individuals and families are supported and protected – with no exceptions.
Melissa was the best of Minnesota. She cared about others, treated everyone with dignity and respect, and she knew how to listen and lead. As a public servant and as Speaker of the House, she left Minnesota better than she found it. I will miss her dearly.
As we mourn the loss of Melissa and Mark, our hearts are with their children, Sophie and Colin, and their entire family.
We wish Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette a full recovery.
And as we come together as a community to heal, may we find comfort in the words of Melissa and Mark’s children:
Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear.