"Today, I stand in sorrow and solidarity with the people of Minnesota, with our fellow lawmakers across the country, and most of all, with the family and loved ones of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

"Representative Hortman was a dedicated public servant, a fierce advocate, and a woman of principle. She spent her career working to improve lives — championing reproductive rights, investing in education, and expanding access to healthcare. She was known for her intellect, her integrity, and her ability to lead with grace, even through difficult conversations.

"The violence that took her life was not random. It was targeted. It was political. And it was fueled by a rising tide of extremism that threatens the very foundation of our democracy.

"Let me be clear: this is not just a tragedy — it is a warning. Words matter. What we say in this chamber, what we post online, what we allow to pass as “just political rhetoric” — it all matters. Our words can build bridges or burn them. They can calm tensions or incite them. They can protect democracy — or imperil it.

"In a healthy democracy, we will disagree. We should disagree. But we must be able to have those disagreements civilly — with mutual respect, not with threats, not with intimidation, and never with violence. If we normalize hatred, if we look away from inflammatory speech, we allow the seeds of violence to take root. And we cannot — we must not — be complicit in that.

"Today, we honor Melissa Hortman’s memory not only with our condolences, but with our commitment: To speak responsibly. To lead courageously. And to protect a political culture where debate is strong, but never cruel. Where dissent is welcomed, but never weaponized. Where every public servant, no matter their party or their policy, can do their work in safety and peace.

"To Representative Hortman: we honor your voice by refusing to silence our own. May your memory be a blessing — and may it also be a call to conscience."