Vikings react to killing of local Congresswoman Melissa Hortman

Tensions in the United States are rising steadily as the divide between supporters of Donald Trump and those who oppose his policies deepens. Last night, Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Hortman of Minnesota was killed alongside her husband in an attack at their home in Brooklyn Park. In a separate incident, Congressman John Hoffman was injured in Champlin.

In response, the Minnesota Vikings, the state’s NFL team, issued a statement condemning the assaults on the lawmakers. Hortman, 55, had collaborated with the team for more than a decade during her time in the House of Representatives, where she had served since 2005. She became Speaker in 2019.

“As Minnesotans and a team that cares deeply about our state, we are shocked and saddened by the targeted overnight attacks that took the lives of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and seriously injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Our organization has worked closely with both legislators and appreciated their duties as civil servants. Speaker Emerita Hortman was a friend of the Vikings for more than 15 years and a tremendous state leader who worked tirelessly to make Minnesota a better place for all residents. She was a mother, a wife and a friend who genuinely cared about people and relationships. Our prayers are with the Hortman family as they grieve this tragedy and with all government officials who are mourning the loss of a colleague and friend. We hope for fast and full recoveries for Senator Hoffman and Yvette and safety for all members of law enforcement who continue to search for those responsible.

“These senseless acts should have no place in our communities, our state or our society. We must all unequivocally condemn political violence, reject hateful division, and deliberately work toward mutual respect, compassion and unity.”

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has called on residents not to attend anti-Trump rallies until the suspect is apprehended. Authorities have identified him as Vance Luther Boelter, who remains at large.

Minnesota Lynx hold a moment of silence

Moments before tip-off between the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks, the crowd at the Target Center observed a moment of silence in honor of Hortman and her husband. The basketball arena is located just 11 miles from Brooklyn Park, where the congresswoman lived.

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