Deadly attacks on lawmakers raise concerns about political violence and safety
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Recent attacks on Minnesota lawmakers are raising alarms about the safety of elected officials — and the political divides across our nation.
State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home on Saturday.
Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot and injured in their home, about 9 miles from the Hortman’s home. Both survived.
Lawmakers gunned down in their own homes — it’s a nightmare situation that has many in public office concerned about their own safety.
Lawmakers across the country routinely attend public events with little to no security — all while living in communities sharply divided by politics.
Missouri State Representative Hardy Billington (District 152) said there is no place for violence, no matter your political beliefs or disagreements.
“That was terrible about what happened the other day,” he said, “terrible that that man and woman were killed — and the other senator that was harmed. I am praying that they will be well — praying for the family.”
Billington said he has received angry phone calls from people in the past but his open door policy remains in place.
“We cannot let violence intimidate us,” Billington said. “We work for the people in Missouri. I work for the people of my district. I’m going to be accessible to anyone and everyone.”
Through the Now Local News app, viewers shared their concerns — many worried about the direction our country is headed.
“I am just horrified by the political violence that is taking place over the past few days,” Jill Hudson said. “I think — here are people who are serving the people, representing the people, and they have to fear violence even within their own home.”
“These politicians are real people with real feelings and families,” Ty Hudson said. “They also work and do a lot for our country. So, regardless of your political affiliation, I don’t think we need to have any more political crime.”
“I am concerned that there has been such a divide,” Kate Appleman said. “I think that we need to start coming together, and being one country again because right now there’s so many different political atmospheres, and we just need to find a commonality because we are stronger together than we are apart.”
“I am hopeful that the future is bright,” Danielle Torbet said. “I’m hopeful that everything that is happening around the nation that is disturbing at this time, that it will stop as well.”
