STIVERS ON THE DEATHS OF ONE MINNESOTA LEGISLATOR AND HER HUSBAND AND THE ATTEMPT ON ANOTHER LEGISLATOR AND HIS WIFE

STIVERS ON THE DEATHS OF ONE MINNESOTA LEGISLATOR AND HER HUSBAND AND THE ATTEMPT ON ANOTHER LEGISLATOR AND HIS WIFE

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 14, 2025) — The following is a statement from Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, upon the death of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The Hortmans were murdered overnight, and an attempt was made on the lives of Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.

"My heart goes out to the family and dear friends of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. I condemn the person or persons involved in the despicable acts that resulted in their deaths. As we await the medical outcome of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, I extend my heartfelt prayers and thoughts to their families and the rest of Minnesota.

"If we are to preserve and strengthen this country, we must choose respect over rage, justice over lawlessness, and unity over division.

"These heinous murders in Minnesota are unforgivable. The blatant disregard for human life and the taking up of arms for political gain is inexcusable.

"This extreme, violent behavior needs to stop, and the rhetoric ratcheted down. Disrespect for human life and the rule of law does not build up our extraordinary country, but only succeeds in tearing it down."

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Sen. Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, represents the 25th Senate District, including Clay, Jackson, Knox, McCreary, Owsley, and Whitley Counties. As of January 1, Stivers has served as Kentucky Senate president for over a decade. He first assumed the position in 2013, succeeding former Senate President David Williams. As Senate president, he is co-chair of the Legislative Research Commission. Stivers is also a member of the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary. 

For a high-resolution .jpeg of President Stivers, please visit: https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators Full Res Images/senate125.jpg/