Local officials react to shooting death of former Minnesota state legislator

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Local officials have made statements in reaction to the shooting deaths of Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker, and her spouse as well as the shootings of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

Gov. Dan McKee said that political violence was a “threat to democracy” and that he was praying for the recovery of Sen. Hoffman and his wife:

Our hearts break for Minnesota today.

Thinking of the family of Rep. Hortman and her husband, and praying for the full recovery of Sen. Hoffman and his wife.

Political violence is a threat to democracy— it has no place in our country. We must condemn it in the strongest terms.

— Governor Dan McKee (@GovDanMcKee) June 14, 2025

House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi said that he had known former Speaker Hortman from national conferences and that his “heart is broken” from her death:

My heart is broken over the shooting death of former Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.  I knew her from our meetings at national conferences and I had dinner with her last December.  She was a warm, kind and very intelligent lawmaker who cared deeply for her state of Minnesota.  There is no place for senseless violence in our political system.

Senate President Valarie Lawson expressed her condolences after the shooting:

On behalf of the Rhode Island Senate, we extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones and colleagues impacted by this horrific act. Political violence undermines the core values of democracy and the principles that define America. As Americans, we must stand united in our commitment to the ideals of this country. In the United States, we settle our differences at the ballot box, and we share a common commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law. No one should have to worry that their willingness to enter public service has made them a target. All of us must strongly condemn violence wherever it arises.

State Rep. Enrique Sanchez said he “condemned all political violence” and called for peace and justice:

My deepest condolences to the families of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and my thoughts and prayers are with the recovery of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

I condemn all political violence and call for peace and justice.

— State Representative Enrique Sanchez (@EnriqueForRI) June 14, 2025