Minnesota Shootings a Stark Reminder That Violence Has No Place in Civic Life

WASHINGTON – Following the targeted shooting that killed Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-34B, and her husband, and critically injured state Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-34, Future Caucus President and CEO Layla Zaidane issued the following statement:

“Violence is never acceptable in civic life. We are devastated by the loss of Rep. Hortman and her husband, and our thoughts are with Sen. Hoffman and his wife as they fight for their lives. Political violence threatens far more than individual lives. It endangers the very idea that people from different backgrounds and beliefs can come together to solve problems. It attacks the very foundation of democracy.

“There are thousands of state lawmakers across our nation who chose public service not because it is easy, but because it is essential. They understand the job requires sacrifice, but the risks should not be this grave, and these attacks will leave many of them and their families shaken. We want every member of our community to know: Your safety, your voice and your public service matter more now than ever.

“We must change the culture surrounding what it means to be in public service. This moment is a vital reminder that lawmakers are not symbols or caricatures, but human beings doing difficult, often thankless work. Threats, hostility and dehumanizing rhetoric toward elected officials create a climate where public service becomes unsafe and unsustainable, making it harder to govern and deterring good people from stepping up to serve in the first place.

“Today, we also want to extend our gratitude to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, local police departments and the FBI for their swift, coordinated response to this horrific incident. We are profoundly thankful for their bravery and commitment to safeguarding our public servants during this crisis.

“We condemn political violence in the strongest possible terms and reaffirm our commitment to a future in which disagreement is resolved not with threats, but through elections, debate and the courage to govern together.”

To schedule an interview with Layla Zaidane or a member of the Future Caucus network, please contact Elizabeth Rosen at [email protected].

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Future Caucus is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers young elected officials in Congress and state legislatures to bridge the partisan divide. By supporting innovative policymaking and fostering collaboration, we help Gen Z and millennial leaders drive positive change and promote a political culture rooted in empathy and solutions. To learn more, visit www.futurecaucus.org.