Gov. Tim Walz, other leaders commemorate lawmakers contended homes
A mournful Gov. Tim Walz discussed the work and tradition of State Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was assassinated at her home Saturday.
A mournful Gov. Tim Walz spoke about the work and legacy of State Rep. Melissa Hortman, who authorities stated was assassinated at her home Saturday morning. Authorities said the suspect targeted her, another Democratic state legislator and their spouses. “Our state lost a dear leader and I lost the dearest of friends,” Walz informed reporters at a press conference. Hortman, the previous Minnesota House speaker, and her spouse Mark were shot and eliminated at their home in Brooklyn Park around 3:35 a.m. by a suspect who was impersonating a policeman, investigators said. The shooting occurred nearly 90 minutes after the very same suspect shot and injured State Sen. John Hoffman and his partner Yvette in their home in Champlin, according to police. The unidentified suspect, who had a list of other targets, ran away on foot after participating in a firefight with officers outside Hortman’s home, cops stated. MORE: Minnesota legislator assassinated, another in serious condition in ‘targeted political violence’ Walz described Hortman as somebody who served the state with “terrific compassion, grace, humor and a sense of service.” “She was a powerful public servant. A component and giant in Minnesota. She got up every day identified to make this state a much better location,” he informed press reporters. The guv even more condemned the attack in a declaration. “We are not a country that settles our distinctions at gunpoint. We have actually demonstrated once again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that out state is reinforced by civil public argument,” he composed. “We should stand joined versus all kinds of violence– and I contact everybody to join me because dedication.” Other leaders from the state and beyond provided comparable condolences throughout the morning. President Donald Trump also released a statement Saturday morning condemning the violence. “Such horrific violence will not be endured in the United States of America. God Bless the excellent individuals of Minnesota, a truly fantastic place,” he stated. The White Home stated in a declaration that the FBI and the Chief law officer’s office will be investigating and “will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest level of the law.” Former President Joe Biden spoke up versus the attack in an X post. “This abhorrent attack motivated by politics must never occur in America,” he said. “We must offer hate and extremism no safe harbor and we should all join against political violence as a country.” Democratic National Committee Ken Martin, previous Minnesota Democratic party chair and buddy of both victims, said in a declaration that “thus numerous Minnesotans, my heart is broken.” MORE: Video 2 Minnesota legislators shot in evident ‘targeted’ occurrence: Officials “Melissa, Mark, John, and Yvette– these are not just names, and this is not just politics. These are individuals. They’re long time buddies to me and Jenn and so many others in Minnesota. They have kids, loved ones, pals, and neighbors,” Martin wrote. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, whose California home was invaded by male who attacked her other half with a hammer in 2022, said she was “heartbroken” over the scenario. “Sadly, we know the catastrophe of when political violence hits home extremely well. All of us should keep in mind that it’s not only the act of violence, however likewise the reaction to it, that can normalize it. This environment of politically-motivated violence need to end,” she said in a statement. Home Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement denouncing the attack. “Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader needs to unequivocally condemn it,” he stated. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said she is “devastated” by the shooting and noted her friendship with Hortman in a statement. “She was a real public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion,” Klobuchar composed. “As Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, she led efforts to protect ladies’s rights, invest in clean energy, and secure totally free school lunch for kids. She was beloved by her associates.” Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, also responded to the shooting in an X post, decrying the political violence and stated Hortman was “clever and funny therefore dedicated to making Minnesota work much better for everyone.” In an X post, Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar kept in mind Hortman as “a dear buddy who revealed me how to lead with passion and integrity.” “Whatever our distinctions, no one deserves this,” she composed. “Violence has no location in our neighborhoods.” Richard Carlbom, chairperson of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Celebration, said in a declaration that Hortman “represented the best of Minnesota.” ABC News’ Brittany Shepherd, Averi Harper, Lauren Peller, Isabella Murray, Emily Chang and Selina Wang added to this report.
