Hakeem Jeffries Warns Colleagues to Act ‘Responsibly’ After MN Democrats Shot: Nation ‘On Edge Like Never Before’
(AP Photo/John McDonnell)
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) warned his colleagues to “act responsibly” after the horrific targeted shooting of two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota.
Jeffries was one of a number of Democratic leaders to take to social media and respond to the shooting of Democratic State Sen. John Hoffman of Champlin and Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are in stable condition after being treated for gunshot wounds, like Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed. Authorities say both were targeted by a suspect posing as a police officer. A manhunt is currently underway. Hoffman and Hortman are both Democrats.
President Donald Trump described the shootings as “targeted attacks.”
Police say the suspect had a manifesto with other names of officials listed. They have urged residents to stay away from a planned “No Kings” protest against Trump’s administration on Saturday, posting a photo from the suspect’s vehicle where there were flyers for the protest.
Jeffries said in his statement:
I am horrified by the heinous shootings that took place overnight in Minnesota and the murder of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. My prayers are with Melissa and Mark’s two children as well as with the additional victims who were injured, including Senator John Hoffman.
As we continue to learn the details of these chilling attacks, it is important that all elected officials from across the political spectrum conduct themselves responsibly. Our country is on edge like never before. We need leadership that brings America together, instead of tearing us apart.
Violence is never the answer.
I have asked the House Sergeant at Arms and United States Capitol Police to ensure the safety of our Minnesota delegation and Members of Congress across the country. The targeting of elected officials must end now.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also released a statement on the targeted shootings. The senator warned that the killings are the result of “hate and violent rhetoric.”
“The ghastly targeted shootings of Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman are not just horrific—they’re acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself,” he wrote. “This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead. We must stand united against political violence in all forms—and bring those responsible to swift and full justice. My heart aches for the victims and their families.”
