HOPKINS, Minn. – Rep. Cheryl Youakim (DFL – Hopkins) issued this statement regarding this morning’s violent incident at a Hopkins daycare, which led to the deaths of a child and both parents, now believed to be connected to a separate incident in Burnsville:
“This is such a heartbreaking tragedy for our small community. My deepest sympathies are with the families who lost loved ones, the parents and children who attend the daycare, and everyone who has been affected by the violence today here in Hopkins as well as the connected events in Burnsville. Amid the unthinkable difficulty, I’m so proud to see our community come together to care for one another, including the first responders who brought the other children to safety, local child care providers who stepped up to offer temporary spots for families who need them, and the mental health providers who already made themselves available to offer trauma care. Healing won’t take place overnight, and I’m grateful for the compassion and care our community is showing during this incredibly difficult time.”
For those experiencing domestic violence, help is available from Day One Services by calling 1-866-223-1111 or texting 612-399-9995. Violence Free Minnesota has resources available as well at www.vfmn.org/get-help.
Free and confidential support for anyone experiencing mental health or emotional distress is available by calling or texting 988 or online at chat.988lifeline.org.