DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth delegation of the Minnesota Legislature, Senator Jen McEwen, Representative Liish Kozlowski and Representative Pete Johnson, released the following statement on the targeted assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, and the attempted assassination and shooting of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman:
“We are deeply shaken by the violent attacks on our friends and colleagues: the assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the attempted assassination and shooting of John and Yvette Hoffman. In our tenure, we have only known a Minnesota Legislature with their guiding presence, and the events of this last weekend have shattered our world.
Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the Hortmans, especially their two children, and we hope for a swift and full recovery for the Hoffmans. To every first responder, law enforcement officer, doctor, nurse, and Minnesotan who saved lives and helped bring the suspect into custody, thank you. Your dedication and professionalism are an example to us all. We will never forget your service and care.
Political violence should have no place in our democracy. As we wait for justice to be served, a long healing process begins. Part of that process must include loudly and consistently denouncing hateful and dehumanizing rhetoric that builds until public servants fear for their lives. It needs to stop.
This is not acceptable in Duluth, in Minnesota, or anywhere in our country. We must find our way back to each other, to resolving our differences through discussion and debate — not violence. We can and must do better.”
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