Minnesota AG Keith Ellison on Political Violence After State Lawmaker's Murder

Tragic Assassination of Melissa Hortman

• 💔 Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated in their home by Vance Boelter.
• 🎯 Boelter also shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, and had a hit list targeting other Democratic politicians and Planned Parenthood centers.
• 💡 Hortman is remembered as a powerful political leader and a good person who fought for universal school meals and other progressive policies.

Keith Ellison's Personal Connection and Tribute

• 🤝 Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison shared his deep personal friendship with Hortman, stemming from their time as legal aid lawyers.
• ✨ Ellison highlighted Hortman's strong moral compass, pragmatism, and ability to work across the aisle, noting her dedication to improving people's lives.
• 😂 He also fondly recalled her sense of humor and kindness, emphasizing that she was deeply loved by many.

The Climate of Political Violence

• 🚨 Ellison links the current climate of political violence to inflammatory rhetoric, citing President Trump's past statements and actions.
• 🗣️ He contrasts this with past presidents who sought to calm tensions, arguing that Trump exacerbates negative impulses.
• ⚠️ The attack on Paul Pelosi and other incidents are mentioned as examples of domestic political violence fueled by this environment.

Confronting Misinformation and Calls for Peace

• 😠 Ellison condemns Republican Senator Mike Lee's insensitive social media post about the Minnesota shootings, praising Senator Tina Smith for confronting him.
• ⚖️ Both state and federal charges have been brought against the alleged assassin, Vance Boelter, for murder and stalking.
• 🗳️ Ellison urges for political differences to be settled through peaceful means like voting and protest, not violence, and calls on the President to cease his violent rhetoric.