LULAC CONDEMNS POLITICAL ASSASSINATION IN MINNESOTA
Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Denounces Violence and Calls for Unity in Face of Growing National Division
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) strongly condemns the horrific assassination of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murder of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in what law enforcement officials are calling a politically motivated act of domestic terrorism. The tragic events unfolded early Saturday in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, two suburbs of Minneapolis, and have shocked the conscience of the nation.
"This is a devastating day for Minnesota and our country," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "Our hearts are with the families of Rep. Hortman and her husband, whose lives were taken in a vicious act of political violence. We are praying for Senator Hoffman and his wife as they recover from their wounds. No family should have to endure this pain. No community should live in fear simply because their leaders serve in public office."
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect—who remains at large—was impersonating law enforcement and may have deliberately targeted these public officials based on their political affiliations. A manifesto naming multiple lawmakers has reportedly been recovered, adding to fears of broader threats. LULAC denounces this vile act and urges all Americans to reject violence in any form.
"This tragedy is a dark reflection of what happens when political rhetoric turns dangerous, and hate is normalized," added Palomares. "We are witnessing the fallout of increasingly hostile partisan politics and government actions that target entire communities—Latinos, African Americans, Asians, and others who have long been scapegoated. Meanwhile, the economic divide in our nation grows deeper, fueling frustration and despair among working families. But violence is never the answer," he added.
LULAC stands firmly for civic engagement through peaceful, nonviolent means. Today, when millions of Americans are lawfully exercising their First Amendment rights, we are reminded of the urgent need to safeguard our democracy and the people who defend it.
"We must demand an end to the toxic language that feeds political extremism," says Palomares. "We may differ in our views, but we are still one nation. Let us come together in civil discourse, not hateful conflict. This country belongs to all of us, and only through unity and strength can we overcome this growing threat to our democracy," he concluded.
LULAC urges federal and state authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrator to justice and ensure the protection of all elected officials, regardless of party. We also call on leaders at every level to temper their rhetoric, foster civil debate, and protect the freedoms now under attack.
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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.