On Saturday, Wyoming Senate President Bo Biteman and Speaker of the House Chip Neiman issued a joint statement expressing profound sadness and concern over the targeted shooting of Minnesota legislators. The incident, which occurred in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, resulted in the tragic deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, wounded.
In their statement, Biteman and Neiman extended heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, colleagues, and the Minnesota community, emphasizing the Wyoming Legislature’s solidarity during this time of grief. They described the shootings as a “heinous act of violence” against public servants, underscoring the threat such politically motivated attacks pose to democratic values. The Wyoming leaders called for fostering civility, rejecting division, and promoting respect and dialogue to prevent future tragedies.
The statement commended Minnesota law enforcement for their swift response and reaffirmed the Wyoming Legislature’s commitment to supporting measures that ensure the safety of public officials. Biteman and Neiman honored the legacy of Hortman and Hoffman, recognizing their dedication to their constituents, and urged unity and reflection on shared values to counter political violence.
The full statement is available through the Wyoming Legislature’s official channels. This response reflects Wyoming’s stance against violence and its support for Minnesota as investigations continue.
