New York politicos universally condemned the horrifying assassination of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband on Saturday, coming together to offer support on the first day of early voting in a hotly contested mayoral primary at the same time as thousands of protesters gathered for massive “No Kings Day” demonstrations throughout the city.
The gunman, who posed as a police officer, also critically wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in a separate shooting at their home just north of Minneapolis. He is thought to have been politically motivated, according to authorities.
“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,” Sen. Chuck Schumer posted on X. “This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead.”
“Condemning violence while ignoring what fuels it is not enough. We must confront the toxic forces radicalizing individuals and we must do more to protect one another, our democracy and the values that bind us as Americans,” Schumer wrote in an official statement.
Schumer said that he had asked Capitol Police to increase security for Minnesota U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. The gunman has so far escaped police but left behind a “manifesto” mentioning both Hortman and Hoffman, as well as numerous other lawmakers and politicians, according to local Police Chief Mark Bruley.
Politicians across New York offered similar condemnations.
“This is a horrific act of targeted violence against lawmakers. I am praying for Senator John Hoffman, Representative Melissa Hortman and their families,” Governor Kathy Hochul wrote on X. “In America we settle our political disagreements at the ballot box. Violence is never acceptable.”
“Our hearts are with Senator John Hoffman, Representative Melissa Hortman and their families,” Mayor Eric Adams posted. “Americans can disagree on the issues, but violence is never the answer. This heinous act — and all forms of violence — have no place in our country.”
Mayoral candidates also weighed in.
“This heinous act of violence must be condemned by every person of conscience,” former Governor Andrew Cuomo wrote on X.
“I’m horrified by the targeted acts of political violence we saw this morning in Minnesota,” City Comptroller Brad Lander said in a statement to the Daily News. “My prayers are with the families of Senator John Hoffman and Representative Melissa Hortman. These unspeakable incidents are a stark reminder that sowing the seeds of hatred and division can lead to violence, and it is up to all of us to unequivocally reject it and call it out.”
“Awful news from Minnesota this morning,” state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani wrote on X. “My thoughts are with the families of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and I pray for the recovery of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Political violence is unacceptable.”
“The murder of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife are heartbreaking and appalling,” City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams posted. “All violence is unacceptable and everyone must condemn the targeting of public servants. My prayers are with their loved ones and all Minnesotans, and for the recovery of the Hoffmans.”
Originally Published: June 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM EDT
