The National Civic League is heartbroken and outraged by the politically motivated violence that took the lives of Minnesota Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left Senator John Hoffman and his wife injured.
We condemn this attack unequivocally. Violence against public servants is not just a tragedy for those directly affected—it is an assault on the democratic values we all share.
In a functioning democracy, leadership is chosen through ballots, not bullets. These heinous acts discourage civic participation, disrupt public trust, and erode the foundation of our representative institutions.
We recognize that this violence occurred during a weekend marked by demonstrations and public tension. Peaceful protest is a vital democratic right; violence is not. The distinction must remain clear.
The National Civic League reaffirms its commitment to inclusive, participatory, and nonviolent democratic practice. We will continue working with communities to foster the kind of democratic culture where disagreement does not escalate to destruction—and where public service is met with respect, not risk.
Our hearts are with the families of Representative Hortman and Senator Hoffman, and with the people of Minnesota. Now more than ever, we must strengthen—not abandon—the democratic principles that unite us.
