House Democrats Condemn Targeted Shootings of State Lawmakers in Minnesota

Santa Fe, NM - Last night two Minnesota Democratic state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes in targeted, political assassination attempts. 

New Mexico House Speaker Javier Martínez (D-Albuquerque), Majority Floor Leader Reena Szczepanski (D-Santa Fe), Majority Whip Dayan Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque), and Caucus Chair Raymundo Lara (D-Chamberino) issued the following statement in response:

“We are deeply disturbed and heartbroken by the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Our hearts go out to the Hortman and Hoffman families, their loved ones, the entire Minnesota legislature, and everyone impacted by these horrific, senseless acts.

We have seen far too much political violence in our nation, including shootings at the homes of lawmakers and elected officials here in New Mexico. It is increasingly urgent for all of us to speak up against this violence, as well as the dangerous extremism and misinformation that fuels it. 

In our Roundhouse, we are committed to conducting the people’s business in a civil manner. We lead with the professionalism and respect that our constituents deserve and work hard to set a tone of decency and respect, even when we disagree. 

We call on political leaders in Washington D.C. and across the country to do the same.”

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