National Association of Counties Statement on Acts of Political Violence in Minnesota

WASHINGTON – In response to the recent politically motivated shootings in Minnesota, National Association of Counties (NACo) President James Gore issued the following statement: 

“The horrific acts of political violence that occurred in Minnesota are a sobering reminder of the challenges we face as a nation. County leaders from across the country grieve today’s loss of life and pray for a speedy recovery for the survivors.

“Violence directed at public servants is an attack on the very heart of representative government. State and local elected officials, along with public sector employees, are dedicated to serving our neighbors, solving problems, and building stronger communities.

“Political violence is unacceptable. It undermines trust, fractures communities and threatens the democratic process. Today it killed two of our fellow Americans, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and threatened the lives of two more, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

“County leaders call on every level of government – local, state and federal – to respond with unity and action. Together, we must reaffirm our shared commitment as a society that we solve our differences not with violence, but with dialogue and respect. The health of our democracy depends on it.

Our democracy only thrives when we protect the dignity of public service and uphold the values that bind us as one people.”