Attorney General Ellison statement on murder of Speaker Emerita Hortman, shooting of Senator Hoffman

I’m beyond heartbroken at the news of the death of Melissa and Mark Hortman. Melissa and I were friends for over two decades. She was wise, she was caring, she was brilliant, and her smile lifted people up in good times and helped them through the bad.

As a legislator and Speaker, Melissa relied on a strong moral compass and an unwavering dedication to her community and the state of Minnesota. She knew it was right to take care of the vulnerable. She knew it was right to stand up to bullies, to give second chances, and to embrace people without regard for personal or political differences.

Melissa was a force in Minnesota politics who understood what it meant to be a public servant. She knew how to stand firm on her values but understood the importance of teamwork and compromise and never backed down from hard choices. She was tough, she was kind, and she was the best of us.

Today, I am grieving for Melissa and her husband Mark. I am also grieving for Minnesota, as we try and navigate this difficult moment, when the tools of division and hateful, violent discourse have become far too common in our political and social landscapes. Through all the ups and downs of public life, Melissa never lost sight of what's right, and always stood on the side of fairness, and of justice. We can honor Melissa and Mark by doing the same.

The Attorney General's Office will do whatever it can to assist law enforcement in their investigation. My heart goes out to Melissa's and Mark's two children and their families. I'm also praying for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and wish them a full and speedy recovery. And I hope Minnesotans can offer grace, care, and kindness to each other in the days ahead.

The Official Website of Office of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison

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