The North Star Chapter issued the following statement in response to the political shooting of two state legislators and their spouses:
“We are shocked and heartbroken by the horrific assassination of Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the shooting of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
“Representative Melissa Hortman was a true environmental leader. As House Energy Chair she was instrumental in the passage of Minnesota's first Solar Energy Standard and creation of the Community Solar Gardens program, and championed many other policies to protect our climate and communities. She served three terms as House Speaker including the landmark 2023 legislative session which included passage of the 100% carbon free electricity law and an historic clean transportation bill.
“This political violence is not isolated. It is rooted in an atmosphere of escalating extremism and disinformation that dehumanizes those working for progress. We must not allow fear or intimidation to derail the work of building a Minnesota where all people, regardless of race, class, gender, or geography can live with dignity, safety, and in a healthy environment.
“Sierra Club mourns the loss of Melissa and Mark Hortman and we extend our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones.
“We send healing wishes to the Hoffmans as they continue on the road to recovery.”
- Kamau Wilkins, Co-Chair, Tom Thompson, Co-Chair, Margaret Levin, State Director & Peter Wagenius, Legislative Director