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We are devastated. We are enraged.
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman—a mother, a leader, a champion for families—and her husband were murdered in their home. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times and remain in critical condition. According to reports, Yvette Hoffman sustained numerous gunshot wounds while shielding her daughter from bullets.
These were not random acts of violence. They were politically motivated attacks on elected officials—on public servants—on democracy itself.
This is personal for us. At Vote Mama, we work every day to elect moms up and down the ballot.
Melissa was one of us. A mom who ran for office not despite her kids, but because of them. She built her political career while raising a family. She served with integrity, leading the Minnesota House as Speaker with compassion and principle. She fought for clean energy, reproductive freedom, and working families—because that’s what it means to govern with love and purpose.
We must name this for what it is–a politically-driven assassination. This is what happens when people in power stoke fear and division, and extremists are emboldened.
Melissa’s murder isn’t just heartbreaking. It’s a reminder that what we say matters. How we speak to one another matters. The hate-fueled rhetoric that’s become normalized in American politics is not just ugly—it’s dangerous. And today, it’s deadly.
Melissa should be here. With her children. With her community. She should be celebrated for the legacy she built—not mourned for the violence that took her life.
To the people of Minnesota: we are grieving with you. To Melissa’s family: we are holding you in our hearts. To the Hoffman family: we are praying for John and Yvette’s healing and quick recovery.
And to every mama in this movement—we see you. We will not be silent. And we will not stop fighting for a world where mothers can lead—and live—without fear.
If you'd like to support the victims and their families, we have included links here:
Sincerely,
- Liuba & Team Vote Mama
If you’re an elected official or candidate running for office and you are dealing with a current security crisis, call the Democracy Security Project’s free hotline at 1-234-DSP-HELP. A member of the DSP team will answer your call, work quickly to assess your needs and provide support or refer you to a trusted security partner. If you are facing a life threatening situation, please dial 911.
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