Former Minnesota Rep. Ryan Winkler on Assassination of Colleague Melissa Hortman

Personal Impact and Professional Relationship

• 💔 Ryan Winkler expresses total devastation upon hearing about the assassination of his close friend and former colleague, Melissa Hortman.
• 🤝 Winkler served with Hortman for 13 years in the Minnesota House, including four years where he was majority leader while she was speaker, navigating challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic and the George Floyd protests.
• 🌟 Hortman is remembered as a strong, effective leader who prioritized her constituents and the work, even stepping down from her speaker title to facilitate progress.

Community Reaction and Hortman's Legacy

• 😔 The community is in shock and horror, with many trying to connect and support each other in the wake of the tragic events.
• 🌱 Hortman, described as a suburban mom who entered politics to make a difference, is remembered for her dedication to getting the job done rather than seeking personal attention.
• 🏆 Her legacy is seen as one that will be very difficult for others to live up to.

Broader Political Climate and Violence

• ⚠️ The assassination occurs amidst a backdrop of increasing political violence, with other leaders like Shapiro in Pennsylvania also being targeted.
• 🗣️ Winkler notes that despite calls to