Rep. Craig Memorializes Melissa and Mark Hortman in Speech on House Floor

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig took to the House floor to honor the late Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, who were killed in Minnesota earlier this month in a politically motivated attack. Rep. Craig remembered the Hortmans as a force for good, who were deeply involved in their community. She also acknowledged State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who nearly lost their lives in the attack. 

“Anyone who knew Melissa and Mark knew that together, they were a force for good,” Rep. Craig said. “Melissa was a dedicated public servant, and both she and her husband devoted their lives to improving the lives of Minnesotans.”

Rep. Craig also took the opportunity to condemn the inflammatory political rhetoric that played a role in the attack and encouraged Minnesotans to find common ground with one another. 

“It is still difficult to comprehend the violent attacks on the Hortmans and Hoffmans, but what I do know is that we got here in part because of the divisive rhetoric that we have allowed to seep into our politics and into our communities,” said Rep. Craig. “It will take our entire community coming together. We must hold ourselves and each other accountable. It’s the only way forward, and it’s how we honor the legacy of Melissa and Mark.”

You can watch Rep. Craig’s full remarks here.

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