The Texas Senate Republican Caucus & the Texas Senate Democratic Caucus Strongly Condemn Political Violence

As members of the Texas Senate, we come together—united across party lines—to unequivocally condemn political violence in all forms. The devastating events in Minnesota over the weekend that claimed the lives of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and critically injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, strike at the very core of our shared democratic values. We grieve with their families and stand in solidarity to reject hatred, extremism, and acts of violence.

In the wake of these attacks, a credible threat quickly emerged here in Texas, prompting swift security responses and raising serious concerns about potential copycat attempts. We are grateful to the Texas Department of Public Safety and other law enforcement officers who acted swiftly to resolve any emerging danger to lawmakers and the public.

Political disagreement is a hallmark of democracy, but resorting to violence must never be tolerated as a justifiable response. As members of the Texas Senate, we are committed to ensuring that our institutions remain secure; our colleagues, their families, staff, and all those who serve are protected; and the work of representative government continues without fear, threats, or physical harm.

What happened in Minnesota was a deliberate and depraved act of violence— an attack on the institutions of democracy and the very fabric of a civil society. We continue to pray for the Hortman and Hoffman families and for the future of our great nation.