Dear John,

This week, Minnesota lost two incredible individuals in a devastating and unprecedented politically motivated attack. The loss of Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman – and the attempt on the lives of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette – are truly unthinkable.

Speaker Hortman and her husband Mark were not only one-of-a-kind colleagues and friends – they were even better humans. Anyone who knew Melissa knew she was a force for good. She was a dedicated public servant who devoted her life to improving the lives of Minnesotans, and she leaves behind a lasting legacy on our state.

My heart breaks for Melissa and Mark’s children, family and colleagues as they grieve this unfathomable loss. No family deserves to feel the pain of a parent or child being taken too soon.

Cheryl and I are grateful that Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette survived their attack. Both the Hortman and Hoffman families remain in our prayers as they navigate the long road of healing ahead.

We are also deeply grateful to the Minnesota law enforcement officers who responded to the scene, acted proactively and worked tirelessly to catch the suspect. Their bravery and dedication not only led to the first steps toward justice, but undoubtedly saved the lives of other individuals targeted in this attack.

Like many of you – I can’t begin to comprehend how someone could commit such a violent act. What I do know is that we need to look within each of us and and bring civility back to our politics and into our communities. It will take our entire community coming together to begin to change the tone of our political discourse. We must hold ourselves and each other accountable. It’s the only way forward.

The pain, grief and sorrow is deep. In the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, we must come together as a community and do the hard work of rebuilding as a state and as a nation.

That’s what being a Minnesotan is all about. It’s who we are. And it’s how we honor the legacy of Melissa and Mark. Take care of yourselves – and take care of one another.

With deep gratitude for the honor of serving my community,

Angie Craig

Member of Congress