Statement by state DFL chair Richard Carlbom on Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman

Melissa Hortman represented the best of Minnesota. She was a tireless, devoted public servant who deeply loved our state and devoted her life to making it a better place. The warmth and kindness she showed to her family and friends were matched only by her fierce commitment to improving the lives of those she had never even met.

Last night, we lost her and her husband Mark to a horrifying and evil act of political violence. We are heartbroken. This loss will be felt across Minnesota, but especially by those who were lucky enough to count her as family, friends, and colleagues. Please hold her and Mark’s loved ones close today.

Senator Hoffman and his wife Yvette survived the attack on their lives. Please keep them and their loved ones in your thoughts. I am grateful they are alive and we wish them a speedy recovery.

This evil act of violence is also an attack on our democracy itself. We must all recommit to a politics grounded in dignity and decency.