[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 110 (Thursday, June 26, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H2974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE HORTMAN AND HOFFMAN FAMILIES

  (Mr. Emmer of Minnesota was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. EMMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of 
Minnesota to honor the lives of former Minnesota Speaker of the House 
Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were brutally murdered in 
their home on June 14.
  We also express our collective outrage over this politically 
motivated attack, which resulted in life-threatening injuries to my 
friend, Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette.
  My wife, Jacquie, and I have known Melissa for more than 20 years. 
Melissa and I joined the Minnesota Legislature together in 2005, and we 
served together until 2011.
  While we may have disagreed on policy, Melissa was a great colleague 
who fearlessly fought for what she believed in and devotedly served the 
people of Minnesota.
  One day, while I was in the Minnesota Legislature, I brought my only 
daughter to work with me. I wanted to introduce her to some of the 
strong female leaders in our State and my colleagues who were, frankly, 
exceptional at what they do.
  One of the first people who I introduced Katie to was Melissa 
Hortman. Though we came from different sides of the aisle, Melissa was 
incredibly gracious with her time and couldn't have been more kind and 
encouraging to my daughter.
  Melissa's warmth and generosity extended far beyond that moment. As 
speaker of the Minnesota House, she led with integrity and fostered 
bipartisan collaboration, even during the most challenging times in our 
State.
  While we mourn Melissa and her husband, Mark, we continue to pray for 
healing and peace for Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, and their 
daughter, Hope, who were targeted by the same evil coward that night.
  I have known Senator Hoffman for many years and have had the pleasure 
of meeting his daughter, Hope, on several occasions as they visited our 
office here in Washington, D.C.
  John is a wonderful man, devoted husband and father, and friend. He 
is a commonsense legislator and has been a champion for Minnesotans 
with disabilities throughout his time in office.
  His bravery during the attack, lunging at the gunman to protect his 
family, likely saved their lives, though it left him with life-
threatening injuries.

  Yvette, who was also hit by the gunfire, heroically shielded their 
daughter, Hope, whose quick thinking in locking the door and calling 
911 triggered a statewide law enforcement response that, frankly, 
prevented further tragedy. Their courage and heroism should continue to 
inspire us all.
  We are grateful to the brave men and women of law enforcement for 
their work to apprehend the evil perpetrator, and we look forward to 
justice being served.
  Let's be clear: There is absolutely no place in our country for 
politically motivated violence. This attack, carried out by an evil 
coward disguised as a peace officer, was not just an assault on two 
Minnesota families, but it was also an attack on the very fabric of our 
Nation. It sought to silence and strike fear into the hearts of those 
who dedicate their lives to public service.
  As we continue to grieve, we cannot and will not let this tragedy 
define us. We must show our communities, our State, our country, and 
the world that Minnesotans are united and that our resolve is stronger 
now more than ever. From Minneapolis to Mankato and from Delano to 
Duluth, we come together as one voice to condemn all forms of political 
violence. We commit to always treat each other with respect, regardless 
of differing opinions or political affiliations.
  Our prayers are with the Hortman family as they grieve the 
devastating loss of their loved ones, and we also continue to pray for 
John, Yvette, and Hope as they deal with the physical and emotional 
repercussions of this horrific attack.
  In closing, I will echo the words of Melissa and Mark's children: 
``Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. . . . 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 we always adhere to that sentiment.

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