Our statement on the assassination of our Speaker, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. “We are shocked and devastated at the shootings of our colleagues, and at the assassination of our Speaker, Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. This is an unspeakable act of political violence that should never happen in the United States of America. “Melissa was an incredible leader who dedicated her life to public service. She led our caucus with integrity, grace, and with determination to improve people’s lives. We are holding in our hearts Melissa and Mark’s families, their friends, their legislative family, and all who knew and loved them. “Melissa talked a lot about following the Golden Rule, and the value that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected.’ She felt she had the ability and the obligation to serve others. And serve others she did. Minnesota is an immeasurably better state because Melissa Hortman chose to serve. Generations of Minnesotans will be better off thanks to her leadership. She was a dear friend to so many, and this caucus will miss her and Mark greatly. “We are also thinking about Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, and we hope for their speedy recovery. We are grateful to law enforcement and the first responders who responded to these horrific acts, and we thank them for the ongoing work to apprehend the suspect and keep Minnesota’s public servants safe.”