The Utah Senate Democratic Caucus issued the following statement in response to the tragic and politically targeted shooting that took the lives of Minnesota State Representative and former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife seriously injured:
“We are heartbroken and outraged by the targeted political violence that claimed the lives of the former Speaker Melissa Hortman, her husband and seriously injured Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
These legislators fiercely advocated for their constituents with a strong and courageous voice for equity, equality and accurate representation. Her leadership will be immensely missed—our hearts are with them and their communities during this time.
Political violence has no place in our democracy. No American should fear for their safety when expressing their beliefs or serving the public. We condemn hateful rhetoric that impedes civil discourse and democratic engagement, in which our very country was built upon.”
