Gabby Giffords reacts to friend killed in Minnesota ‘politically motivated’ shooting

PHOENIX — Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords spoke out about the “politically motivated” shooting in Minnesota that left former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband dead.

“I’m devastated to learn that my friend, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were killed in last night’s shooting,” Giffords said in a post on X.

Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot.

What Gabby Giffords said about the former house speaker

Giffords described Hortman as a true public servant and stated the former house speaker dedicated her life to improving Minnesota and making it safer.

The former U.S. representative called Hortman and her husband’s death “a profound loss” for not only those who the two but the entire country.

Giffords was shot in the head by a gunman in 2011 outside of a grocery store in Tucson in an incident that killed six and injured 12 others.

“There will be more to say, but this much is clear: we must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun,” Giffords said.

Senator Mark Kelly, Giffords’ husband, also spoke out on X calling the shooting horrifying and stating that he was keeping them, their families and law enforcement in his prayers.

“Political violence aims to frighten and keep us from participating in our democracy, shattering families and communities,” Kelly said.

“Gabby and I know that all too well. We must work together to stop it.”

In an X post prior to the confirmation of Hortman’s death, Giffords encouraged other leaders to take action.

“Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for,” Giffords said.

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