Political Quotes

On the recordJune 16, 2025
over the weekend, while most of the country slept, a gunman targeted two Minnesota State legislators in their homes. He pretended to be a police officer, and he gunned down Democratic State legislator John Hoffman and his wife. Fortunately, they survived and are recovering from surgery and reportedly in stable condition. We pray for State Senator Hoffman and his wife's full recovery. Then the gunman attacked another Democratic State legislator with over 20 years of service, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark. She and her husband leave behind two children. These killings are not only horrifying for Minnesota but a tragedy for America. This heinous act of political violence defies American values and democracy. Unfortunately, we have seen a disturbing increase in political violence in recent years, seemingly, as part of a misguided and sickening attempt to strike fear and intimidation in the hearts of the American people and those who engage in public service. Violence and hate have no place in America. Leaders on both sides of the aisle must speak out and condemn these violent acts. I have said this repeatedly, but it bears repeating: Political violence from the right or the left is never--never--acceptable. It is never the answer. We must condemn these violent acts when they happen. We also must speak out against the radical language we see online and even language coming from our colleagues.
Said by
Dick Durbin
Democratic · Illinois

Editor's note · Context

Addressing a recent attack on Minnesota State legislators and the rise of political violence in America.

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