Florida Parish News

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise recently addressed the House Floor, condemning a politically-motivated attack on Minnesota lawmakers and their families. He recalled his own experience of political violence in 2017 when he was shot by an assailant with a list of political targets. Scalise praised law enforcement officers for preventing further violence and expressed prayers for the victims' families, asserting that political violence has no place in the United States.

"Mr. Speaker, a little over a week ago, America witnessed a horrific act of political violence that goes against everything the United States stands for," Scalise stated.

The attack occurred on June 14th when an individual disguised as a police officer entered the home of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman, shooting him and his wife Yvette multiple times as she shielded their daughter Hope. Yvette has since been released from the hospital while John remains in serious but stable condition. The assailant also targeted other lawmakers' homes before assassinating Minnesota State House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman.

Scalise emphasized: "As someone who has experienced political violence firsthand, this brings back a lot of emotions – the man who shot me on the ballfield that day also had a list of lawmakers."

He continued to commend law enforcement's efforts during the incident: "I’m grateful for the actions of the brave law enforcement officers who ran towards the danger... This was a methodically planned attack on people’s right to be governed by their duly elected representatives."

Scalise urged support for H. Res. 519 introduced by Rep. Morrison of Minnesota which condemns these attacks and calls for rejecting political violence across America.

"Political violence will never have a place in America – lawmakers from both sides must unite to reject political violence in all forms," he said.

In closing remarks, Scalise honored Melissa Hortman's service and prayed for unity amidst tragedy: "Melissa Hortman was a dedicated public servant... We also pray for speedy recovery [of] John and Yvette Hoffman."