Minnesota archbishop calls for prayers after deadly shooting of lawmakers

Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda has called on Minnesotans to join him in prayer for the victims of Saturday’s deadly attacks on state lawmakers, including former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were killed, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were critically wounded.

“I ask all people of goodwill to join me in prayer for the repose of the souls of Minnesota House Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, along with prayers of recovery for Senator John Hoffman and his wife,” Archbishop Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis said in a June 14 statement.

According to law enforcement, the attacks occurred early June 14 when the suspect, Vance Boelter, impersonated a police officer and shot Hoffman and his wife and then killed Hortman and her husband at their home. A two-day manhunt ended with Boelter’s capture in Sibley County, CatholicVote reported.

Hortman, who had a long record of public service, was remembered by Archbishop Hebda as an “honorable public servant.” 

“Although we disagreed on some issues, we worked collaboratively to find common ground on others in pursuit of the common good,” he said. 

The archbishop noted that Minnesota’s Catholic bishops met annually with her to discuss key legislative concerns.

He also expressed support for Hoffman, who survived the attack after undergoing multiple surgeries. 

“Senator Hoffman is always generous with his time, as well, meeting with the bishops whenever they are at the Capitol,” Archbishop Hebda said. “He is a strong advocate for the most vulnerable, and Minnesota continues to need his leadership.”

Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester also offered a tribute to the lawmakers, recalling a recent visit to the State Capitol where he and fellow bishops met with both Hortman and Hoffman. 

“Rep. Hortman listened to us with sharp intelligence and acute attention,” he wrote on X. “And I had a wonderful conversation with Sen. Hoffman, who was a graduate of St. Mary’s University in my diocese. He shared his passion for Catholic Social Teaching.”

Bishop Barron condemned the violence and urged unity in the face of division. 

“God knows we are [a] divided society, but our political differences must never, ever give rise to violence,” he said, asking for prayers for the Hoffmans’ recovery and the repose of the Hortmans’ souls.

Archbishop Hebda also condemned political violence as a threat to democratic life. 

“It is wrong for our elected representatives to have to live in fear of violence,” he said. “We cannot maintain our representative republic if our lawmakers fear violence for themselves and their family members.”

He concluded by encouraging Minnesotans to seek strength through faith and prayer in the wake of the tragedy. 

“At this time of fear and uncertainty, we need to rely even more on our loving God and that begins with prayer — both privately and communally,” the archbishop said. “May the Prince of Peace lead us away from such senseless violence.”

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