NEWTOWN, Conn. – Two separate attacks against lawmakers took place in towns near Minneapolis on Saturday, taking the lives of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and seriously injuring state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Both of these incidents were described as “politically motivated” shootings committed by an individual dressed as a uniformed police officer.
Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Sen. Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot in their home in Champlin, which is about five miles away from Brooklyn Park. The Hoffmans were each shot multiple times and survived the attack.
Both of the targeted lawmakers are Democrats. Hortman was the top Democratic leader in the state legislature at the time of her death and a former House speaker.
Inside the suspect’s vehicle, which was disguised as a fake police SUV, officers found a “manifesto” that mentioned numerous lawmakers and other public officials. Officers also discovered several AK-style firearms in the suspect’s vehicle.
In response to these attacks, Mark Barden, co-founder and co-CEO of Sandy Hook Promise and father of Daniel, who was killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, issued the following statement:
“No matter what our differences may be, we can all agree that gun violence has no place in our society. We stand with the victims, their loved ones, and the community in condemning these heinous and disturbing attacks. Our sincerest condolences and support go to the families and friends of the victims, and to the people of Minnesota. We hope for a swift and full recovery for Sen. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
“The trauma and fear caused by horrifying acts like these undermines everything we stand for as a nation. This is not the country we want for our children. It does not have to be this way.
“We must remain steadfast in our efforts to address the root causes of violence, teach the warning signs that can prevent tragedy, and support practical polices that save lives. A safer future will be possible for all. We have the power to create a safer future when we come together in action.”
For more information about programs that prevent violence, resources for communities, and information about ways to support bipartisan policies that are proven to save lives, please visit sandyhookpromise.org.
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The Sandy Hook Promise Action Fund (SHPAF) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization committed to protecting all children from gun violence in schools, homes, and communities. The SHP Action Fund advances a holistic policy platform that promotes gun safety, youth mental health, and violence prevention education. The organization works at the state and federal level to pass nonpartisan legislation through inclusive partnerships, diverse grassroots education, and community mobilization. It is part of Sandy Hook Promise, founded and led by several family members whose loved ones were killed in the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.
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