Statement on the shootings in Minnesota

The early morning shootings of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their homes, which led to Rep. Hortman and her husband’s death, is an absolute tragedy that we must all condemn.  Any violence against our fellow American’s is unacceptable and political motivated violence is particularly concerning in a democracy rooted in “peaceful” freedom of speech, expression and assembly – and where violence of any kind should not be tolerated and is illegal.

We are in a highly charged time in our nation’s history and find ourselves, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, etc.. at an inflexion point.  We must all commit today, tomorrow and every day thereafter to coming together as a nation, to condemning what happened and committing to make sure it does not happen again.  That means expecting all of us, citizens and elected officials to do better – to not use politics and our government as tools of retribution but rather as a means to address our biggest challenges, together.

Discourse and debate are pillars of American democracy.  And it is supported by free elections, peaceful assembly, and freedom of speech.  Violence, threats and trolling those we disagree with is the opposite of what has made and will make America exceptional. 

My heart goes out to the Hortman and Hoffman families, as a fellow American, parent and as an elected state representative. We must all do better, together.