Press Release: Political Disagreements Never Justify Violence

Yesterday, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman—and their families—were targeted in a horrifying act of political violence. According to reports, an individual impersonating law enforcement attacked both legislators at their homes in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically killed.

“Political violence is never acceptable,” said Bryan Strawser, Chair of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus. “We fight our policy battles where they belong—in the public square, in committee hearings, through our allies on the House and Senate floor, and in the courts. We’ve had sharp disagreements with Speaker Emerita Hortman and Senator Hoffman over the years, but we have always respected them as legislative leaders and public servants.”

“Speaker Emerita Hortman served the people of Minnesota with intelligence, determination, and a deep commitment to her caucus and her convictions. Her presence at the Capitol will be deeply missed by colleagues, staff, and even those who stood firmly opposed to many of her policy priorities. Minnesota has lost a consequential and historic public servant.”

Rob Doar, Senior Vice President of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, acknowledged Speaker Hortman’s fairness and professionalism in her leadership. “While we often found ourselves on opposite sides of the issue, Speaker Hortman consistently ensured that our members had equal access to committee hearings and floor proceedings,” Doar said.

“She never engaged in bad faith tactics to silence opposing voices—something we had, unfortunately, experienced under previous leadership. Even during moments of sharp disagreement, we knew we would be given a fair opportunity to be heard. I deeply respected and appreciated her commitment to ensuring all voices—including those in opposition—were given a seat at the table.”

“This appalling and cowardly act has no place in a free society. Our prayers—and those of Minnesota’s peaceable gun owners—are with Senator Hoffman and his wife and family, and the family of Speaker Emerita Hortman and her husband during this unimaginable time,” added Strawser.

The Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus is the trusted voice of Minnesota’s gun owners—committed to protecting and defending the Second Amendment through advocacy, litigation, and education.