Statement from Vice Mayor Mike Hernandez regarding shooting in Minnesota

I am deeply saddened and outraged by the tragic shooting in Minnesota of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, as well as State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.

I want to be clear: in our democracy, we will always have differences of opinion. Americans come from diverse backgrounds, hold a wide range of beliefs, and belong to different political parties—but that is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. No disagreement, no political divide, can ever justify any type of violence.

We are all Americans.

Let us honor the victims by rejecting hatred and embracing civility, empathy, and peace amongst ourselves.

-- Vice Mayor Mike Hernández