June 18, 2025
This is a heavy time for our community. The targeted political violence this past weekend was shocking and despicable, and I know many of us are still trying to process the horror of what occurred.
I am heartbroken and angry over the loss of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and at the violence perpetrated against Sen. John Hoffman and Yvette. The brave, principled leadership of Speaker Emerita Hortman and Sen. Hoffman is a model for all of us in public service, and the fact that someone would harm these two dedicated public servants and their families – in their own homes, under the guise of law enforcement - is sickening.
Over the last few days, as I’ve listened to public officials reacting to the news, I’ve been struck by the way a tragedy like this can strip away the veneer of partisanship and political soundbites, revealing our common humanity. This kind of public tragedy also reminds us of the many private tragedies those around us may be experiencing, and the need to show compassion and care for those we interact with every day.
I’m praying for strength and comfort for the Hortman family, and a speedy and complete recovery for Senator Hoffman and Yvette.
I’m grateful for the law enforcement officers and first responders who were on the scene and who worked tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator of these heinous crimes.
And I’m inspired by the words of Sophie and Colin Hortman, the children of Melissa and Mark:
“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”
May their words be an inspiration to all of us and may their parents’ memory be for a blessing.
Click here to access Council President Noecker's full e-newsletter for June 2025