New York lawmakers condemn Minnesota political violence

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Many of New York's elected officials have come forward to condemn the political assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband. On Sunday, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed flags at state buildings to be flown at half-staff on Monday.

The attack on Saturday also seriously wounded Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. They're recovering from multiple surgeries, according to U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. Hortman's service dog, Gilbert, was also shot to death, according to Minnesota Rep. Erin Koegel.

Vance Boelter, 57, surrendered to police Sunday in rural Sibley County, Minnesota, after a nearly two-day search involving 20 tactical teams. Authorities charged him with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

Police said Boelter posed as a police officer and fatally shot Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park home. He then traveled about nine miles to shoot Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in Champlin. Investigators reported a list of about 70 names—including prominent state and federal lawmakers, community leaders, and abortion rights advocates—found in Boelter's vehicle.

While officials called the crimes "politically motivated," law enforcement authorities did not officially articulate any motive following Boelter’s arrest.

“I join the State of Minnesota, family, and loved ones in mourning the horrific loss,” Hochul said in a statement. “We should be settling our political differences in civil means—like at the ballot box.”

Other state leaders agreed, expressing outrage over political violence and concern about the safety of public servants. New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, a Democrat, called the attack "abhorrent and terrifying." She said, "Everyone who holds a platform must speak out, condemn this violence, and work urgently to lower the temperature."

Democratic Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara called the politically motivated act a "heartbreaking reminder of the growing risks faced by those who serve the public."

Democratic State Senator Christopher Ryan said he felt horrified and deeply saddened. He said violence has no place in politics or society, adding, "Public servants and their families should never have to fear for their lives."

And State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, another Democrat, said he found it "particularly chilling that state legislators have been targeted in this cold-blooded murder."

Jay Jacobs, chair of the New York State Democratic Committee, called the attack "an assault on public service, on our institutions, and on the basic idea that Americans can serve their communities without fearing for their lives." He said he condemned "extremism, hatred, and political intimidation."

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also weighed in, calling it "part of a troubling pattern, a wave of political violence that threatens the very foundation of this republic."

Republican Assemblymember Ed Ra and Democratic Assemblymember Alex Bores—co-chairs of the bipartisan NY Future Caucus—released a joint statement. Devastated, they said, "Lawmakers may deserve criticism, accountability, and pushback, but never violence directed at them or their families."

And Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, a Republican, said the "tragic event is being felt across the country." He said he's observed an "escalation in attacks, rhetoric, and overall temperature" that "cannot be denied" and said that "violence in the name of political ideology is unconscionable."

U.S. Congressmember Tim Kennedy, a Democrat representing western New York, expressed both heartbreak and outrage. He said the violence "calls back to some of the darkest times in American history." He wants leaders nationwide to "hold themselves accountable and temper hate-filled rhetoric that stokes division."

Speaker Carl Heastie, a Democrat, echoed the sentiment that violence is never the answer. He said he'd communicated with Hochul to "ensure there is an increased law enforcement presence at the State Capitol." Heastie also warned New Yorkers to "remain vigilant and stay safe" at public events like political demonstrations.

Barclay agreed that New York has "incredible professionals at the Capitol and a State Police presence" who keep them safe. But he also said that their jobs are more difficult now.

New York officials also shared condolences for the victims' families and the state of Minnesota. Stewart-Cousins said her heart "breaks for the family, colleagues, and community of Representative Hortman." She added, "We are praying for Senator Hoffman’s and his wife’s full recovery and stand with the people of Minnesota."

Democratic State Senator James Skoufis said his heart was "with the Hortman family at this unimaginable time—especially their children—as well as with Senator Hoffman’s family and all of Minnesota."