06/14/2025
STATEMENT FROM
DNC CHAIR KEN MARTIN
This morning, like so many Minnesotans, my heart is broken.
My family-and our entire DFL community-are devastated to learn of the targeted, senseless murders of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, along with the attack on Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman.
Melissa, Mark, John, and Yvette-these are not just names, and this is not just politics. These are people. They're longtime friends to me and Jenn and so many others in Minnesota. They have children, loved ones, neighbors, and friends.
Speaker Hortman was a leader in every sense of the word-from ushering in free lunch for our kids, to protecting women's rights and reproductive care, to standing up for Minnesota families. She led our state legislature with humor, grace, and determination to get things done for Minnesotans across the state. She wasn't only a leader—she was a damn good legislator and Minnesotans everywhere will suffer because of this loss.
Melissa was also a close friend whom I've known since the very start of her political career. She was someone I personally relied on for advice, counsel, and friendship and I am beyond words. As I said many times when I introduced her at events, she is the very best Speaker of the House that Minnesota has ever had.
Jenn and I also pray for the swift recoveries of Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman, and thank the medical personnel who operated quickly and tended to their injuries.
For the Hortmans' family, friends, loved ones, for the DFL community, and for all Minnesotans, our souls ache today.
This senseless violence must end. These heinous murders are a reflection of the extremism and political violence that have been fomented in our country. Lawmakers should be able to do their job without fear for their lives. I thank the law enforcement officers and first responders for their ongoing efforts to catch the perpetrator who committed this heinous act.
Today, we recommit ourselves to fight harder for the values that Melissa and Mark embodied-building a kinder, more just, and loving world. If this murderer thinks we will be silenced, he's wrong.
