PHOENIX (AZFamily/AP) — Arizona leaders and politicians are speaking out against the political violence that took place in Minnesota on Saturday.
A gunman impersonating a police officer targeted two Minnesota politicians and their spouses in separate attacks.
Democratic former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home. Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin address, approximately 9 miles away.
This comes days after an apparent attack against a congressional candidate In Tucson, Daniel Hernandez. According to a statement from Hernandez, a campaign staffer’s car was hit by the gunfire outside the house, which also serves as his campaign’s headquarters. It’s unclear if police think Hernandez, his family, or his staff were targeted.
"Having a mom and a sister who were freaked out because I overslept this morning and they called me 20 times and they couldn’t get a hold of me. So that’s the kind of fear that I think we are living in and I think it’s really disappointing that that’s where we are with it," Hernandez told Arizona’s Family on Saturday.
In 2011, Hernandez was an intern for former Rep. Gabby Giffords and was with Giffords when she and 18 others were shot at a constituent event in Tucson. He says when he found out about the shootings in Minnesota, it was shocking.
"Going after people is not something that is acceptable and yet it’s happening all the time in our political rhetoric and it’s something that keeps happening and keeps getting worse especially in the last couple of years," said Hernandez.
The authorities identified the Minnesota suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, and the FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman, records show, though it was not clear if or how well they knew each other. Authorities said the suspect had No Kings flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims as well as other lawmakers and officials, though they could not say if he had any other specific targets.
Politicians and leaders across Arizona have begun sharing statements about the incident in Minnesota.
Governor Katie Hobbs
Statement posted on Twitter (formerly Twitter):
This is incredibly disturbing news. My heart goes out to the families of those who were killed. Violence should have no place in our politics, but is becoming increasingly common. We need to bring down the temperature and restore peaceful and civil discourse in our country.
Sen. Mark Kelly
Statement posted on Twitter
The shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses last night is horrifying. I’m keeping them, their families, and local law enforcement in my thoughts. Political violence aims to frighten and keep us from participating in our democracy, shattering families and communities. Gabby and I know that all too well. We all must work together to stop it.
Rep. Andy Biggs
Statement posted on Twitter
This is heartbreaking. Political violence must be condemned in all its forms. Please join me in praying for Melissa and her husband’s family and friends. We pray for John Hoffman and his wife’s full recovery.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Statement posted on Twitter
This is as horrific as it is heartbreaking. I’m praying for the families of the victims and hoping the suspect is swiftly apprehended and brought to justice by law enforcement.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari
Statement posted on Twitter
I am horrified and sickened to hear of the shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers. Political violence like this is a fundamental threat to our democracy and society. I’m sending love and strength to the families and loved ones of Rep. Hortman and Sen. Hoffman.
Rep. Greg Stanton
Statement posted on Twitter
Praying for the families of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and State Sen. John Hoffman. Like all Americans, I’m angered that this violence is happening in our country. This cannot be normalized.
Rep. Juan Ciscomani
Statement posted on Twitter
Laura and I strongly condemn the horrific events in Minnesota today. Political violence must have no place in our society.
State Senator T.J. Shope
Statement posted on Twitter
Praying for their families. Violence against anyone is always the wrong move. Let cooler heads prevail in all circumstances.
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes
Maricopa County Democratic Party
Arizona Senate Republicans
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