Two Democratic lawmakers shot in their Minnesota homes
A gunman in Minnesota shot two Democratic state lawmakers on Saturday, June 14, killing one and her husband and wounding the other in what officials said were targeted attacks. Governor Tim Walz said the attack at the lawmakers' homes in two towns near Minneapolis "appears to be a politically motivated assassination."
"We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Walz said at a press conference on Saturday. "Those responsible for this will be held accountable."
John Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He ran Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm and previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Melissa Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004.
GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement. "I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants," Giffords said. "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." Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from Congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.John
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