MCEA statement on the political assassination of Melissa Hortman

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy mourns the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman, and hopes for the recovery and healing of John and Yvette Hoffman. 

Melissa Hortman worked to bridge divides between conservatives and liberals and Democrats and Republicans, by being genuinely curious about their personal lives and political perspectives. She was one of the greatest environmental champions to serve in the Minnesota legislature. Her leadership on clean energy was transformational and historic. Melissa Hortman shared MCEA’s commitment to use the law and science to improve the lives of Minnesotans, and her record of environmental leadership will continue to save lives. 

This is one of the darkest moments in Minnesota history. Never before, to our knowledge, has a political leader been assassinated in our state. Minnesota’s grief for the loss of Melissa and Mark Hortman is deep. Our responsibility to live up to the ideals and values that they fought for is even deeper. As we all grapple with this terrible loss, let us honor their memories by demonstrating the same commitment to public service and leadership that Speaker Hortman exemplified.