CSG, Midwestern Legislative Conference statement on fatal political attack in Minnesota

With heartfelt sadness, The Council of State Governments and the Midwestern Legislative Conference stand with the colleagues, families and friends of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman. Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home.

Sen. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, also were shot in their homes in this targeted attack of two state elected officials.

The following is a statement from Illinois Sen. Elgie Sims, CSG national chair; and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, CSG national president:

“The Council of State Governments, the national nonpartisan organization of elected and appointed state officials, condemns all political violence in the strongest possible terms. Our hearts are broken by the tragic shootings of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and state Rep. Melissa Hortman, former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“We were devastated to learn that Rep. Hortman was assassinated and that her husband, Mark, was also killed in these senseless attacks. Sen. Hoffman and his wife remain hospitalized in serious condition following surgery.

“These dedicated lawmakers have been valued members of the CSG community and have worked tirelessly to serve their constituents and build a better North Star State. Politically motivated violence is an assault not only on these two legislators and their families, but also on the democratic institutions they represent. An attack on any elected official, regardless of party or position, is an attack on all of us.

“At this time of grief, we stand with the people of Minnesota and with the colleagues, families and constituents of Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman. We are grateful for the law enforcement agencies and officers responding to this incident and hope that the perpetrator is captured and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

“The Council of State Governments remains committed to fostering a climate in which public service is both valued and safe. Violence has no place in our democracy.”