Honoring Speaker Hortman and Senator Hoffman

The member faith communities of Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul are united in deep grief and mourning over the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, a tireless advocate for justice and a steadfast partner in our mission. We lift up her family, including her husband Mark, whose life was also taken in this horrific act of violence. We also lift up Senator John Hoffman and his wife for their physical recovery and for peace in the face of such trauma.

This tragedy is a stark reminder that political violence has no place in our democracy. When elected officials—who dedicate their lives to public service—are targeted simply for carrying out their responsibilities, we are all made less safe. Such violence is not only an attack on individuals; it is an attack on the very ideals of civil society and shared commitment to the common good.

In honor of Speaker Emerita Hortman’s legacy and Senator Hoffman’s continued leadership, Interfaith Action renews our commitment to dismantling the root causes of poverty and injustice—work to which both of these leaders devoted their energy, integrity, and vision.

May their courage inspire ours.