Early on Saturday, Rep. Melissa Hortman—the leader of the Democratic Farmer Labor (DFL) Party in the Minnesota House of Representatives—was assassinated at her home, along with her husband. She served in the legislature for more than 20 years and for five years served as House Speaker. Sen. John Hoffman, also a lawmaker with the DFL Party, and his wife were also shot; they are reported to be recovering after surgery.
The investigation determined early on that these were targeted political attacks. The assassin had a list of people he planned to target, and the lawmakers he shot were on that list. He also left a manifesto in his vehicle and appears to be linked to an extremist, possibly theocratic ideology.
We must never accept political violence, in any form. A healthy society of free human beings, whose rights are recognized and protected by the rule of law, does not tolerate the use of physical force, in any form, against people expressing views in good faith about the responsible direction for public policy. The civic space must be open, ready to hear diverse voices and perspectives, and attuned to the human impact of every policy choice.
It is the responsibility of everyone in society to play a role in preventing the spread of radicalizing disinformation. Each of us can be an agent of truth, liberty, and justice, if we focus on:
- What problems are we facing—collectively and in specific local context?
- How can we constructively address those problems and their related practical challenges, so society is more fair, just, and supportive of human wellbeing?
- Which policy options will support more people having a constructive role in our collective problem-solving and human development efforts?
- How can we maximize the spread of useful information, while preventing the spread of lies that incite violence or spread injustice?
We believe firmly in the idea that constructive, ongoing civic engagement, open to all and operating beyond ideological grievance, is our best way to a livable and liberated future. That future can only come about, however, if we universally reject political violence and embody the principle that institutions of public authority work in the service of all people.
Rep. Hortman was this kind of civic leader. She was loved by allies and respected by rivals, for her integrity, strategic acumen, good humor, and compassion. We hope Sen. John Hoffman will recover and continue this kind of service, and that all elected leaders in Minnesota, and across the United States, will respond to this tragedy with a renewed commitment to inclusive, nonpartisan debate and cooperative public service.
We take heart in the single unequivocal bispartisan message from Minnesota’s delegation to the United States Congress:
“Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.”
A better future is always possible. Achieving it requires we recognize that no person or faction should hold power for power’s sake, and political violence is never acceptable. Security, opportunity, prosperity, and the best future for humankind, all arise from the successful achievement of nonviolent civics and use of the law to defend human rights.
FEATURED IMAGE
The dome of the Minnesota Capitol Building is designed to pay homage to the sacred obligations of public service. It features extensive blue, evoking “the land of 10,000 lakes” and resplendent gold, evoking the French nickname for the state, the Star of the North. Rays move out in all directions, to remind lawmakers that all corners of the state are represented and relevant. Sunlight comes in through windows and skylights, as it does inside the House chamber, to embody the principle of transparent, open governance.