Reaction to shootings of MN legislators: ‘This is a stunning act of violence,' says Sen. Amy Klobuchar
Minnesota politicians and others are expressing their shock, horror and outrage at the shootings of Minnesota legislators on Saturday.
Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and her spouse were fatally shot in their home, authorities say; Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlain, and his spouse were also shot in their homes.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Metro Transit also provided logistical updates in this developing situation:
U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, D-Minn., told Minnesota Public Radio that she saw Hortman and Hoffman at the DFL's Humphrey-Mondale dinner on Friday night.
Hours after the dinner, she posted her reaction to the shootings:
'This morning Minnesota woke up to news of a brutal act of violence targeting public servants,' Smith stated on X before the fatalities were announced. 'I am heartbroken to learn that our Speaker Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman and their spouses have been shot. I've worked closely with these fine legislators for many years. Archie and I are grateful for the incredible response of law enforcement and hope that everyone will be safe today.'
'This is a stunning act of violence,' U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., stated via X early Saturday. 'I'm thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service.'
'I am devastated to hear of the targeted shootings of State Senator John Hoffman and House Speaker Melissa Hortman,' said U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, D-Minn., in a statement on X. 'They are great public servants and friends. And today's news is shocking. I am closely monitoring the situation this morning, and Cheryl and I are keeping their families, colleagues and loved ones in our prayers. I'm grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their ongoing work.'
'This is horrifying,' stated U.S. Rep. Michelle Fischbach, a Republican, on X. 'As we learn more details, I'm praying for the victims and their families and hope law enforcement is able to find the attacker quickly.'
'I am horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight, and heartbroken beyond words by the loss of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark,' said Minnesota House Speaker Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, in a statement. 'With the law enforcement response ongoing and details still emerging, I will simply ask all Minnesotans to please lift up in prayer the victims of this horrific attack, as well as the law enforcement personnel still working to apprehend the perpetrator.'
'My heart is broken over the events that unfolded overnight and the loss of life, security, and peace that we are all feeling right now,' said Minnesota State Sen. Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks. 'The families of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman are in my prayers. Senate Republicans are unified in our condemnation of this brazen act of violence. We thank law enforcement and Capitol Security for their coordinated effort responding to the threat and delivering justice.'
'I'm just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials,' said Mayor Zach Lindstrom of Mounds View via Facebook. 'I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok … For those going out to protest today please do it safely and if something looks off say something we do not need anyone else to get hurt.'
'I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center,' Gov. Tim Walz stated on X on Saturday morning. 'Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon.'
Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, a Democrat who survived a politically motivated shooting in Arizona in 2011, reacted to the news out of Minnesota on Saturday:
'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Giffords stated on X. 'Melissa, John and their entire families are in my prayers today as we await more information. I hope law enforcement can quickly find those responsible and bring them to justice.
'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.'
While the Metro Transit's B Line is still making its debut on Saturday, a rapid transit line replacing Route 21, the related festivities will not happen as scheduled.
'METRO B Line opening day festivities have been canceled after receiving reports of an evolving public safety situation,' Metro Transit reported on X on Saturday morning. 'All bus and train service will continue as scheduled. We urge you to rely on the Department of Public Safety for the latest updates.'
This is a developing story and will be updated.
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