Like many of you, I have been shaken by the horrific attacks on two Democrat lawmakers recently. Former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were taken from this world in a brutal and senseless act of violence. The same man then attacked Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. I am praying they each have a swift and full recovery. I remain heartbroken for both families and everyone who knew and loved them and for our state.
I’ve worked alongside Senator Hoffman for over a decade. He’s warm, thoughtful, and always quick with a joke. He has a way of putting people at ease and can lighten the mood in the most tense of situations. Former Speaker Hortman and I worked together on health-related issues and tax issues when I chaired the 2021 tax committee. She was very smart, thoughtful and strategic, but more importantly, warm, personable, and highly respected across party lines. Both she and Senator Hoffman have dedicated themselves to public service, always working for the good of Minnesotans.
I want to thank law enforcement for their tireless, fast, and professional response. Their quick actions brought safety and stability in a time of chaos. The manhunt lasted only two days thanks to their strong coordination, work ethic, and bravery. I am especially grateful to our local officers with the Rochester Police Department and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts to keep my family and me safe. I won’t go into the details, but they went above and beyond the call of duty, and I am forever grateful.
We learned more about the shooter’s plan after he was caught. His first attack was on the Hoffmans, but he then stopped at two lawmakers’ homes before he went to the Hortmans’ home. Thankfully, those lawmakers were not home! Reading the criminal complaint sent shivers down my spine as I realized how much worse it could have been.
I know there have been discussions about this shooter’s motives. This happens every time the nation experiences something like this. Let me be perfectly clear: political violence must be condemned in the strongest possible terms, no matter who commits it, and no matter what party they claim to belong to. Over and over, we’ve seen people try to imply blame to one side or the other after these tragedies. But these killers and attempted killers do not represent anyone but themselves. This is not about partisanship. Their actions are simply evil.
Disagreements will always be part of our democracy. That’s not just okay, it’s healthy. Republican or Democrat, if you’re unhappy about the direction of our state or country, it is your right to feel that way. Good government is everyone’s business. Use your voice. Volunteer. Donate. Run for office. Call your legislators. Even yell at us if you feel the need! (I just ask that you please don’t swear.) Respectful dialogue will always get you further, but I know that sometimes being yelled at is part of the job. Don’t worry, we’re adults and we can take it. What our society cannot accept, what none of us should ever tolerate, is violence.
What’s not okay is this idea that anyone who disagrees with you is your enemy. It’s just not true. We must find a way to disagree without dehumanizing each other. We must lower the temperature. We must learn to listen and learn again.
I don’t know exactly what happens next. But I do know that we owe it to Melissa and Mark, and to John and Yvette, to do better. Let’s honor them and their sacrifices with a renewed commitment to kindness, decency, and the peaceful, respectful (yet still vigorous) exchange of ideas.
Please pray for the Hoffman and Hortman families. And please, let’s all commit to turning down the volume.