FMR statement on the shooting of Rep. Hortman, Sen. Hoffman
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman represent Mississippi River districts, and have been frequent collaborators and allies in FMR's policy work. (Photo by FMR)
Like you, we are grieving and horrified by the murder of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, assassinated this past weekend, along with the attempted murder of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
This was an act of unspeakable evil that strikes at the heart of civil society.
Speaker Hortman and Senator Hoffman represent Mississippi River districts. Both have been frequent collaborators and allies in FMR's policy work. Many FMR staff have known and worked with both of these public servants for many years on a range of issues.
Melissa was a true servant leader, known equally for her brilliance, kindness and humor. What I so respected about her leadership style was her humility. Of course, she had strong opinions and policy preferences of her own but she also knew that, to be durable, policy had to be the product of multiple voices and interests working together. She will be deeply missed.
FMR is relieved to hear that the Hoffmans will recover and wish them a full recovery.
We are also deeply concerned about the fear and anxiety this has caused other elected and appointed officials, who now perceive a very real threat to their own safety.
FMR is a member of and agrees with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits: "...These moments are difficult to process, especially when they hit so close to the values and relationships we hold dear. We don’t have all the answers. What we do know is this: violence has no place in our communities. Every elected official deserves to serve their community without fear for their safety or their lives."
We believe in a democracy where differences are not only tolerated but embraced. We will continue to advocate for the river, and plan to move forward with our post-legislative review at Bad Weather Brewery in St. Paul on June 26.
Take care of one another.