TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – Florida Democratic Chairman Nikki Freed has issued a statement in response to an attack on Minnesota Democrats.
“We are deeply saddened by the targeted killings of Minnesota Senator Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the attacks on Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Our minds are trying to bring the victims, their families, and Minnesota law enforcement, to justice the perpetrators of these hateful attacks.
We are heartbroken by these tragic losses, but we are unshakable by violent threats. In America, our political differences may separate us, but one thing that should bring us all together is the agreement that political violence will never be accepted. ”
The statement comes after a gunman who posed for police officers shooting former Minnesota Senator Melissa Hortman and her spouse on Saturday at their Brooklyn Park home. Second State Assemblyman Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times in Champlin.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd also issued the following statement regarding the shooting:
“I express my sincere sympathy for former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as Senator John Hoffman and his wife’s family, colleagues and friends. There is no room for political violence in the United States. I look forward to the recovery of Senator Hoffman and his wife.
I spoke about the shootings of Florida Senate President Ben Albritton and Florida House Speaker Danny Perez. We encourage all local, state and national lawmakers to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement immediately.
We also strongly recommend that you report to local law enforcement those expressing violent threats, especially those expressing targeting threats to elected officials in light of today’s political violence. When you see something or hear something, say something immediately. ”
Authorities believe that both lawmakers were deliberately targeted.
