ST. PAUL – Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) released the following statement in response to the tragic events that unfolded last weekend:
“This is an evil, devastating crime and an unimaginable loss for our state. I served alongside Melissa Hortman for 7 years. While we did not agree on many policy issues, I always respected leadership, her care for all Members, and her commitment to the institution of the House of Representatives and the Legislative branch of government. We shared a love for our children and dogs, and I would often ask her for “Gilbert updates” when she first started training him.
Melissa was a tireless advocate for the polices she championed and for the Legislature. She devoted twenty years of her life and countless hours every session to ensuring that the Legislature worked for the people of Minnesota. She was funny, approachable and not ego-driven. I know she deeply loved her family and was so proud of her children. My heart is broken for them and for the entire Hortman family.
Senator John Hoffman is a friend and a passionate advocate in the Senate. We have worked together on a number of transportation and education issues that affect our neighboring districts. He also attended our Civility Caucus events when his schedule permitted. My prayers are with John, his wife, Yvette, and their daughter as they recover from this horrific attack.
I am also incredibly grateful that State Representative Kristin Bahner and Senator Ann Rest are safe. The recent reports of how they were also targeted and how much worse this could have been are horrifying.
I want to thank the brave men and women of law enforcement at the local, state and federal levels for their swift action and non-stop efforts to find and bring this criminal to justice. I also want to specifically thank the Maple Grove Police Department for their round-the-clock protection for all of the legislators in our district. Our families and neighbors are truly grateful for your courage, time and care for us.
Political violence is never acceptable. We must all stand together in condemning it, even as we are united in our grief. We must choose to show grace and respect, even while we disagree about particular policy proposals. I am praying for strength and comfort for the Hortman family, a full recovery for the Hoffmans, and for healing for our state.”