Condemn Political Violence Now — Or Explain Your Silence

The targeted assassinations of Minnesota legislators Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman — carried out in their homes by a man posing as law enforcement — demand more than quiet concern. They demand a public reckoning. The suspect left behind a hit list of over 70 public figures. His motivations appear rooted in religious and political extremism. Early reports and recovered writings show ideological alignment with Christian nationalist rhetoric — a movement increasingly comfortable with calls for “spiritual war,” the dismantling of democracy, and the execution of political enemies. This was not senseless violence. It was intentional. Political. Pre-meditated. I am writing to ask — no, to insist — that you publicly: • Condemn this attack and all acts of political violence, regardless of party. • Name the threat posed by extremist ideologies — including Christian nationalism — that fuel domestic terrorism. • Demand accountability from those who traffic in this rhetoric and offer cover to its supporters. • Support bipartisan efforts to protect all elected officials — not just those in your political camp. I also call on you to challenge the disgraceful wave of partisan blame that followed the murders — the immediate rush by certain public figures and influencers to point the finger at “leftist radicals” before a suspect was even identified. This is not leadership. It is opportunism at the expense of truth. Anyone making such baseless claims should be challenged and chastised — not indulged or ignored. That includes your colleagues, donors, or media allies. If you don’t set that standard now, what will you allow next? Let me be direct: If you cannot denounce this act of domestic terror plainly and publicly, what part of the Republican platform prevents you from standing up for people’s lives? If you can’t name this violence, you are choosing silence. If you won’t challenge the dangerous ideologies behind it, you are enabling them. I expect a written response. But more importantly, I expect a public statement — within days — that tells your constituents where you stand. All of us. Not just the ones who voted for you.