We’re gutted by the news coming out of Minnesota this morning. Last night, two state lawmakers, Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman, and their spouses were shot in their homes. Senator Hoffman and his wife are in surgery; Leader Hortman and her husband were murdered.
There are no words to fully convey the horror of this moment. Leader Hortman, the former Speaker of the House, was a close partner and deeply committed to ensuring that the legislature’s work focused on improving the lives of all Minnesotans.
Details are still incoming, but we know that this was a targeted, politically motivated attack.
Violence against public officials has no place in a functioning democracy. This doesn’t just endanger individuals — it threatens the foundations of representative government.
On behalf of our team, our network of state lawmakers, and our broader States Project community, we commemorate and honor Leader Hortman’s incredible commitment to public service, and join Minnesotans in mourning her, her husband, and this tragic loss. We’re also keeping Sen. Hoffman and his wife in our thoughts for a full and quick recovery.
Sincerely,
Mandara Meyers, Executive Director
Daniel Squadron, President and Founding Partner
