Michigan officials react to targeted shootings of Minnesota state Rep. Hortman, state Sen. Hoffman
Officials representing Michigan are sharing their thoughts following targeted shootings early Saturday in Minnesota that killed a state representative and her husband, and injured a state senator and his wife.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said in a news conference that state Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband Mark were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home, and state Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and his wife Yvette were shot around five miles away in their home in Champlin.
"The shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses is yet another horrific act in the continued rise of political violence in America," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a Saturday afternoon. "We must call out this violence, no matter who it's aimed at or where it originates."
Whitmer said in a reply to the post that the loss of Hortman and her husband "is a tragedy, and we are pulling for the recovery of Sen. Hoffman and his wife. This must stop."
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a written statement that she is in contact with Michigan State police and other officials to assess any potential threats in the state.
"At this time, my department is not aware of any emergent danger in our state related to these shootings," Nessel said. "Nonetheless, my office will be in contact with legislative and elected leaders as we navigate this heartbreaking news. The Department of Attorney General remains vigilant in these efforts today and stands ready to enforce the full might of state law to keep Michiganders safe — including our elected officials."
Democratic U.S Rep. Hillary Scholten of Michigan's 3rd Congressional District :
I'm horrified and heartbroken by the politically motivated assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Political violence is an attack on our democracy itself. It cannot be normalized. It cannot be ignored. We must all stand united against this.
Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Barrett of Michigan's 7th Congressional District said he condemns the incident.
"The use of violence for political purposes is domestic terrorism, plain and simple," . "I condemn this attack in the strongest possible terms. It should weigh heavily on the conscience of every American, regardless of political affiliation. I'm praying for the swift apprehension of the perpetrator—and for the lives lost, their families, recovery of the survivors, and the law enforcement officers working to bring this terrorist to justice."
Republican U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga of Michigan's 4th Congressional District said there is no place for political violence in society.
"This horrific attack is an absolute abomination. My heart goes out to those injured and the family of the lawmaker who lost her life. My hope is that law enforcement quickly locates the perpetrator of these heinous acts," Huizenga said in a written statement.
Democratic Saturday's shooting "is a horrific and deadly act of political violence."
Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan's 6th Congressional District on Saturday called for an end to the violence.
"This violence must end and be condemned by everyone," Dingell said. "All of us must do more to stop the hatred that permeates our country. We stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota."
According to Democratic U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, she met with Hortman "a number of times," and said Minnesotans "lost an amazing public servant."
Slotkin added in a that "political violence has no place in America."
Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said Hortman "devoted her life to public service. Her murder is an all too predictable consequence of a culture that has too long refused to take seriously the public health crisis that is gun violence. But more than that, this crime was an attack on our democratic institutions and the right of the people to select their leaders. We cannot stand for it. The republic Benjamin Franklin dared us to keep hangs in the balance."
President Trump said in a statement on Saturday that he's been briefed on the shooting.
"Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law," Mr. Trump said.
Investigators say they believe the suspect was dressed in a manner to appear like a police officer. Federal and local officials were searching for that person Saturday afternoon.
