South Dakota legislative leaders condemn political violence in Minnesota
Bipartisan message of unity, compassion and peace issued by GOP, Democratic party heads
South Dakota’s top legislative leaders from both sides of the aisle are offering a unified message of condolence and solidarity following deadly attacks on Minnesota state lawmakers that authorities say were politically motivated.
In a rare joint statement issued Sunday, the Republican and Democratic leaders of the South Dakota Legislature said they were “heartbroken” over what Minnesota authorities are calling a politically motivated act of violence.
“We stand together to strongly condemn this attack, which has deeply shaken the Minnesota Legislature,” read the statement signed by House Speaker Jon Hansen, Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, House Majority Leader Scott Odenbach, Senate Majority Leader Jim Mehlhaff, House Minority Leader Erin Healy, and Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, a Democratic state legislator, and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot Saturday morning in their home in Brooklyn Park. According to law enforcement and statements from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the gunman posed as a police officer and targeted the couple in what Walz described as “a politically motivated assassination.”
Roughly nine miles away in Champlin, state Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were also shot and remain hospitalized with critical injuries, officials said Saturday afternoon.
South Dakota legislative leaders expressed sympathy for the victims’ families and called for national reflection.
“Our deepest condolences go out to their loved ones, colleagues, and the people of Minnesota,” the statement read. “In this moment of grief, we also pray for peace, compassion, and a renewed commitment to civility in Minnesota and across our country.”
It is heartbreaking to believe that our AMERICA has come to this! There is absolutely no excuse for this type of crime to happen in our country! My sympathies go our to those families who deal with this, and hope that the criminal is caught and prosecuted to the fullest intent possible. Their precious lives should have never ended in this manner in America and my prayers are with their families!!!
As Tim Walz keeps referring to this as “a politically motivated assassination,” and the media keeps parroting that, keep these things in mind:
Suspect Vance Boelter was appointed to Gov Tim Walz’s Workforce Development Board in 2019. His wife, Jennifer, served as Walz's intern when he served as a congressman. Odd coincidence that this couple has ties to the governor.
This pair also ran a private security firm, Praetorian Guard, where Vance serves as “director of security patrols.” The company used the same make and model vehicle as many police departments nationwide.
Boelter has “been involved in security situations” in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, “including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip,” according to the Praetorian web site.
Murder victim State Rep. Melissa Hortman (D) recently voted with Republicans to remove illegal aliens from the MN state medicaid program.
It was indeed, politically motivated. But be careful about presuming whose motivation it is.