Roseville Mayor denounces political violence, calls for unity in shared humanity

In response to the assassination of Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted assassination of state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Roseville Mayor Dan Roe issued a statement in a Facebook post on Saturday, denouncing political violence and urging people to see our shared humanity.

Roe wrote:

"The news of the killing of Speaker Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of Sen. Hoffman and his wife, is devastating. I pray for their many friends and loved ones who grieve and cling to hope of recovery in the aftermath.

This is another all-too-tragic reminder of the cost of forgetting, or denying, the essential humanity that binds all of us together, regardless of our political views, our life circumstances, or any other difference that might be seen to divide us. That cost is violence, whether it is political or criminal.

If we can't see each other as brothers and sisters sharing our common humanity, we start to excuse or accept violence as a solution. And then we are lost.

In our grief, anger, frustration, and all of the emotions we feel in response to these events, may we find energy and unity, and may we see and celebrate our universally shared humanity. And work together to end violence in all of its ugly manifestations."

For the latest updates on this tragedy and the manhunt for the suspect, please follow coverage from trusted Twin Cities media, such as the Minnesota Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, and other local outlets with reporters on the ground.