Statement by Governor Murphy on Targeted Shooting of Minnesota State Lawmakers

“I am horrified by the targeted shooting of Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses this weekend. The assassination of former Minnesota State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the attempted assassination of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette have sent shockwaves throughout our nation.

“This terrible act against two dedicated public officials is an attack on our democracy. There is no place for political violence in the United States, and we must all work together to ensure our political differences are settled through debate, not bloodshed.

“New Jersey is sadly all too familiar with targeted political violence against public officials and their families. In 2020, an armed assailant targeting U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas showed up at her home and murdered her 20-year-old son, Daniel, and shot and severely wounded her husband Mark.

“Although there is no known or credible threat in New Jersey, out of an abundance of caution, Attorney General Platkin has stepped up security for public officials and increased patrols statewide.

“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Melissa and Mark Hortman as they struggle with this loss, and we are praying for a full recovery for John and Yvette Hoffman. We hope the perpetrator is quickly apprehended by law enforcement and swiftly brought to justice.”