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I had the immense honor of serving with Melissa during my time in the state legislature. She was a mentor to me as a freshman legislator, like she was to so many new legislators. She was kind and thoughtful, but she was also a tenacious leader. Her heart had room to care for so many of us and about so many issues, and while she never shied away from the fights to get the work done, her heart was how she led. She was a great organizer, and her guidance helped secure the democratic trifecta that earned us some of the most impactful legislation in Minnesota’s history. We will be living in the world that Melissa helped build for decades, and it will never cease to inspire me.

What happened to Melissa and Mark is unconscionable. These two people were good and kind, and while Melissa was an elected leader, she was above all else a human, and human life is so precious. My heart aches for their children, Sophie and Colin, who should have seen their parents grow old.

I am so grateful to know that John and Yvette Hoffman are expected to recover. But I cannot imagine the terror of having to protect your daughter in that moment by putting your own life on the line. As a mother I am heartbroken just considering it. John, Yvette, and Hope are on my mind and in my heart every day.

This man carried out an assassination and an assassination attempt because our current political climate encouraged his violence. It is the result of years of misinformation, manipulation, fear-mongering, and hatred, which has divided our country to the extent that we largely live in separate realities. Even in the aftermath of this horrific tragedy, we saw a sitting US Senator spread lies for no reason other than to incite the mobs online. It is disgusting, and there should be no place for such rhetoric anywhere in our politics.

When I received the call detailing the devastating events of that night, authorities also warned me that I was named in the documents found in the assailants’ vehicle. Throughout my time in Congress, I have received many phone calls and messages warning me that someone had made legitimate threats on my life, and multiple people have been sentenced to prison for the threats they have made against me. I know too well how hatred has poisoned the minds of too many of my fellow Americans. It is a sad reality of this moment that the comments on this heartfelt statement will be filled with more lies, personal attacks, and misinformation. But this statement is not for them – it is for the millions of Americans who are disgusted by the normalization of violence, and whom I stand alongside in calling for every single one of us to refuse to allow these terrorists to win. The promise of America is that we, the people control our fate.

If you haven't already read the touching statement written by Melissa and Mark’s kids, I hope you take a few minutes to do that. I will honor their memory when I pet our dog, when I go for a walk in one of Minnesota’s world class parks, and when I enjoy a homemade baked good. I will embody Melissa's legacy every day in working towards a country where every single one of us is safe, healthy, and prosperous.

In solidarity,

Ilhan

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