Trump and other officials react: Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, Sen. John Hoffman shot

Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife survived the assassin’s attack at their home in Champlin, in what Gov. Tim Walz said appeared to be a targeted act of political violence.

Here’s what local and national officials have said about the shootings.

“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

”This heinous attack motivated by politics should never happen in America. We must give hate and extremism no safe harbor and we must all unite against political violence as a nation. Jill and I are sending strength to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy during an unimaginable time."

“Jacquie and I ask Minnesotans and all Americans to join us in prayer for the Hortman family, as well as Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

No public official — or any American — should fear for their safety in their own home, and we condemn this despicable act of political violence.

We thank law enforcement for their swift response, and we will continue to monitor the situation. Justice must be served for the attacker still at large."

“I am horrified and heartbroken by last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants. Melissa, John and their entire families are in my prayers today as we await more information. I hope law enforcement can quickly find those responsible and bring them to justice.

My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.”

“John and I are devastated and heartbroken by the horrific murders of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as the horrific attack on Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

Melissa Hortman was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and I still remember the two of us going door to door in her first legislative campaign. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. As Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, she led efforts to protect women’s rights, invest in clean energy, and secure free school lunch for kids. She was beloved by her colleagues.

I want to thank the brave law enforcement officers who are working in real time to protect Minnesotans and ensure there is accountability for these horrific crimes.

Let me be absolutely clear: this was an act of targeted political violence, and it was an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy. We must all condemn it. And we must refuse to be a country where anyone is silenced by threats or violence.

To Melissa’s and Mark’s family, Melissa’s colleagues in the Minnesota Legislature, and everyone mourning across our state: I grieve with you. And I will honor their legacy not just in words, but through action — by protecting our democracy, by standing up to hate, and by continuing the work they so passionately believed in.”

“The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and State Rep. Melissa Hortman are deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable. Praying hard for the victims and all who have been affected.”

“Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it.”

“Completely heartbroken to learn about these targeted attacks on my friends Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman. Jenn and I are praying hard for both families. And we’re standing with our DFL community — and with all Minnesotans."

”Unfortunately, we know the tragedy of when political violence hits home very well. All of us must remember that it’s not only the act of violence, but also the reaction to it, that can normalize it. This climate of politically-motivated violence must end."

“This morning Minnesota woke up to news of a brutal act of violence targeting public servants. I am heartbroken to learn that our Speaker Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman and their spouses have been shot.”

“Horrified at the events unfolding in Minnesota. Kimberley and I are praying for the loved ones of the state lawmaker and her husband who were assassinated and the state senator and his wife who were also injured in this assassination attempt.”

“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.”

“I’m heartbroken and outraged by the targeted attack that took the lives of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and left Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in critical condition.”

“Melissa Hortman represented the best of Minnesota. She was a tireless, devoted public servant who deeply loved our state and devoted her life to making it a better place. The warmth and kindness she showed to her family and friends were matched only by her fierce commitment to improving the lives of those she had never even met.

Last night, we lost her and her husband Mark to a horrifying and evil act of political violence. We are heartbroken. This loss will be felt across Minnesota, but especially by those who were lucky enough to count her as family, friends, and colleagues. Please hold her and Mark’s loved ones close today.

Senator Hoffman and his wife Yvette survived the attack on their lives. Please keep them and their loved ones in your thoughts. I am grateful they are alive and we wish them a speedy recovery.

This evil act of violence is also an attack on our democracy itself. We must all recommit to a politics grounded in dignity and decency.”

“I am horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight, and heartbroken beyond words by the loss of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. With the law enforcement response ongoing and details still emerging, I will simply ask all Minnesotans to please lift up in prayer the victims of this horrific attack, as well as the law enforcement personnel still working to apprehend the perpetrator.“

“My heart is broken over the events that unfolded overnight and the loss of life, security, and peace that we are all feeling right now. The families of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman are in my prayers. Senate Republicans are unified in our condemnation of this brazen act of violence. We thank law enforcement and Capitol Security for their coordinated effort responding to the threat and delivering justice.”

“I am wrecked. I am devastated by the assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the horrific attack on John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This is an unspeakably tragic day for Minnesotans, especially the many of us fortunate enough to know them personally.

We are anxiously awaiting updates about the condition of the Hoffmans. John is one of Minnesota’s great champions for people in need. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers, and the doctors and nurses, who saved and are caring for them. Our prayers are with the Hoffmans and their loved ones.

Melissa Hortman was a giant and a fierce leader. She made Minnesota a better place to live. Her commitment has saved and improved lives. I will miss her, her mirthful eyes, her sharp humor and her partnership. My heart breaks for her House colleagues and staff. My heart breaks for all of us.”

“The targeted attack that took the lives of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and critically injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, is a devastating and senseless act of violence. We extend our deepest condolences to the Hortman family and our prayers for the Hoffmans as they fight to recover.

It’s infuriating that the suspect posed as a police officer. This kind of impersonation is dangerous, deceptive, and a disgrace.

Thank you to the many officers who are working tirelessly to apprehend the suspect and keep our communities safe.”

“I’m heartbroken by the loss of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark who were taken from us in a senseless act of political violence. Melissa was a dear friend who showed me how to lead with passion and integrity.

I am praying for Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were also victims of this violence. I’m closely monitoring the situation and keeping them and all their loved ones in my thoughts.

Whatever our differences, no one deserves this. Violence has no place in our communities."

“Obviously, we know it’s a really difficult time — not just in our country, but in the world. The radicalization that’s occurred … I think it’s very clear the timing of when our country really started to turn. I think that today’s a tough day all around. ... What’s happening — it’s sickening."

“I’m just numb about their deaths. I pray for their children, parents and family. Their assassination is not just a personal loss, but a loss to Minnesota. Melissa Hortman was the best of us. She was one of the most extraordinary public servants I’ve ever known. She was smart, savvy, strategic, kind, funny, brave and determined. There will never be another leader like her.”

Simon said he was praying for Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who he said were also friends.

“May they recovery quickly and fully from their devastating injuries.”

“The Congressman is devastated by this shocking act of political violence. His prayers are with the victims, their families, and every Minnesotan impacted by this horrific news.”

“Melissa and Mark were just wonderful people, and Melissa was a selfless leader. The shock and loss of this assassination will reverberate but I can’t believe they are gone. Yes, this is political violence, and there are a lot of us who just lost very close friends. RIP, SMH.”