Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | June 15, 2025 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) strongly condemns the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, John Hortman, as well as the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman. We pray for the Hoffmans’ complete and rapid recovery, and we extend our deepest condolences to the Hortman family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
This act, described by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a “politically motivated assassination”, must be called what it truly is: an act of domestic terrorism. Politically motivated violence, when intended to intimidate or silence public officials, is terrorism by definition. Yet, far too often, this term is only applied when the perpetrator is a person of color or a member of a marginalized group, while white perpetrators are labeled “lone wolves” or merely “troubled individuals.” This racialized double standard distorts public perception, weakens national resolve, and fails to hold all forms of extremism accountable.
We call on law enforcement to carry out a complete and thorough investigation. We urge leaders from all backgrounds to clearly speak out against this growing culture of political violence. This growing normalization of hate-fueled violence must be confronted head-on by all of us, regardless of political affiliation or ideology.
MPAC remains committed to protecting democratic values, promoting and fostering unity, and working alongside all communities to ensure safety, justice, and dignity for every American.