Connecticut Officials Decry ‘Political Terrorism’ In Shooting Of 2 State Lawmakers And Their Spouses In Minnesota

Connecticut officials expressed shock and heartbreak over Saturday’s political violence as a manhunt was underway in Minnesota for a suspected anti-abortion rights shooter following a pair of what law enforcement described as “targeted” home-invasion shootings.

Minnesota authorities say a man dressed as a police officer shot two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses early Saturday, killing the Melissa Hortman — the Minnesota General Assembly’s top Democrat — and her husband, Mark, and wounding both Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

Authorities reportedly identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, a private security guard to whom officers have connected an anti-abortion rights manifesto listing the names pro-abortion rights elected Democrats and advocates. Boelter is believed to have exchanged gunfire with police officers outside of a home before fleeing the scene.

Officials in Connecticut reacted to the news over the course of the day during numerous “No Kings Day” protests that drew crowds in the thousands around the state, including more than 10,000 at the state Capitol in Hartford.

Connecticut House Majority Leader Jason Rojas issued a statement regarding “political terrorism” in Minnesota, calling it a tragic day.

“Today is a tragic day where two fellow Americans, committed to serving their communities and Minnesota, lost their lives to an act of political violence,” Rojas wrote. “My heart is with their family, their colleagues, and with every staff member, volunteer, and elected official who, despite knowing the risks, continues to show up and serve. We choose this work because we believe humankind can still be both human and kind. Political violence is not just an attack on individuals; it’s an attack on democracy itself. We must condemn it, we must stand against it, and we must continue this work with courage, not fear.”

US Rep. John B. Larson, D-1st District, said he was horrified learning about the assination of Hortman and her husband, and was praying for the quick recovery of Hoffman and his wife.

“I am now learning that my Democratic colleagues in Congress from Minnesota were also potential targets of violence,” Larson said. “I thank the United States Capitol Police and law enforcement in Minnesota for responding swiftly. Political violence has no place in our nation, and I stand with Governor Tim Walz, Members of the Minnesota Congressional delegation, and all family, friends, and constituents harmed by this horrible tragedy.”

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong echoed those statements.

“I pray for the grieving family of Melissa and Mark Hortman, for the recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman, and for the soul of our country,” Tong said. “I pray for the police, and the safe and swift apprehension of this deranged and dangerous individual. I pray for the millions of Americans taking to the streets today who know that the better angels of our nation must and will prevail through this perilous anger and chaos.”

State Treasurer Erick Russell said he was grieving deeply for the victims and the nation in “this dark hour.”

He continued: “There is no place for political violence in a free society. In the wake of this horrific attack and assassination, we must remain vigilant — and we must come together. Our country must unite in rejecting hatred and violence, and reaffirm our shared commitment to civility, democracy, and the rule of law.”

Capitol Police Ask Lawmakers And Their Staff To Remain Vigilant

In an email sent to Connecticut elected officials and their staff on Saturday, Capitol Police Chief Luiz Casanova reassured Capitol community members that their safety and well-being remained his highest priority. He said he was in constant communication with leadership at the Connecticut State Police.

“Together, we are closely monitoring developments around the country and remain fully engaged in efforts to protect public officials here at home,” Casanova wrote. “At this time, we do not have any credible information indicating that threats are lingering or directed toward officials in Connecticut. However, we understand that incidents like these can heighten concern, and we remain vigilant. We continue to assess and adapt our security posture both at the Capitol and in coordination with agencies statewide.”

He also urged caution and heightened awareness.

“In addition to our efforts here, I encourage each of you to exercise awareness and caution at your homes, district offices, and other locations you regularly visit,” he wrote. “If you observe anything or anyone suspicious — particularly near your residence or place of employment — please contact your local police department and notify our agency as well. Your local law enforcement partners are fully capable and ready to support you.”

Party Chairs’ Release Early Statements

Both chairs of the state’s two major political parties released statements highlighting grievances before any information had been released about the motives behind the shootings of two Minnesota Democrats.

Connecticut Democratic Party Chair Roberto Alves:

“We are shocked and heartbroken by the targeted shooting of state lawmakers in Minnesota. Violence is never the answer to political differences, and leadership starts at the top. Sending troops to quell peaceful demonstrations and staging military parades does not make America great again; it helps make America more violent. It is past time to bring down the temperature of political discourse and put a stop to the MAGA emphasis on using military force to settle civil differences.”

Republican Party Chair Ben Proto’s statement was headlined, “Connecticut Democrats Continue To Fan The Flame Of Violence,” and read as follows:

Today, the Connecticut Democrats issued a statement saying they were shocked and heartbroken by the shooting of two Minnesota state legislators. The Connecticut Republicans join the Democrats in expressing our sorrow and disgust over the actions of a madman. Unfortunately, the Democrats couldn’t stop there–no, they had to seek to assign blame, without knowing any of the circumstances of the shootings and, of course, imply the blame rested with President Trump and Republicans while failing to impart any blame on those who are starting the violence, or more importantly, those who are engaging agitators to incite the violence.

“It seems Connecticut Democrats don’t read their own statements, or the statements of Governor Lamont, Lt Governor Bysiewicz, Attorney General Tong, or other leading Democrats who have stated their support of the so-called peaceful protests – protest that have seen looting, attacks on law enforcement, arson – that are taking place in Los Angeles. These now violent protests are about DHS arresting individuals who are here illegally, who are violent criminals, who have inflicted harm on Americans.”

“Democrats support those who are engaging in violence, not only against the good people of Los Angeles, but against our police and National Guard, who are simply trying to protect that city, but they fail to call out the agitators who are paid by far-left progressive groups, who are aligned with the Democrat Party.”

“It is time for Governor Lamont to call on Democrats, not only here in Connecticut, but around the country, to stop feeding these groups that initiate the violence, who seek to divide rather than unite, who bring about the chaos and disruption that Democrats then try to blame on others. The Connecticut Democrats are right; leadership starts at the top. Unfortunately for Connecticut, the top leadership is too busy trying to score political points. Governor Lamont and other leading Connecticut Democrats demand that Republicans call out their leadership but do nothing to stop the Democrat led mob from inciting violence. The Democrats’ level of hypocrisy seems to know no bounds.”