Condemning the Attacks on Minnesota Lawmakers in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, and Calling for Unity and the Rejection of Political Violence in Minnesota and Across the United States

Floor Speech

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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in full support of this resolution, and I thank Congresswoman Morrison on behalf of the entire Minnesota delegation for bringing us together.

We must stand united to condemn the assassination of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

Political violence targeted these two great servants who exemplified the best of Minnesota values: hard work, respect, inclusion, and, yes, caring for our neighbors.

Minnesotans are devastated by these heinous acts, and our communities are feeling shock, grief, and distraught.

We know that this whole Nation has joined in mourning with us, but this wasn't just an attack on our dedicated public servants and their families. It was an attack on our democratic system of government. Democracy embraces the civil exchange of ideas and the open debate of policy. It is a commitment to disagree with one another while respecting the rule of law. That is how democracy thrives.

Violent rhetoric, threats, and physical attacks driven by political ideology must not be tolerated by any of us if our democracy is to survive.

This resolution is an opportunity for us to speak with one voice to condemn the attacks on Minnesota's elected officials. All Americans, especially our leaders, must unequivocally denounce acts of political violence.

Mr. Speaker, I urge every Member of this House to stand with Minnesotans, to stand with our Nation, and to stand with our democracy by voting for the adoption of this resolution.

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