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U.S. Lawmakers Face Heightened Threats After Killing of Former Minnesota Speaker

Heightened polarization fueled by online misinformation is driving lawmakers to demand tougher security measures.

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A makeshift memorial for Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on June 18.
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Overview

  • A gunman fatally shot former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife before suspect Vance Boelter was arrested after a two-day manhunt.
  • Princeton University researchers report threats and harassment against public officials rose 87% compared to 2022, reflecting a broader escalation in politically motivated violence since 2017.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has identified political violence as a top concern for 2025, prompting law enforcement agencies to review and strengthen protection protocols for elected officials.
  • Analysts link the surge in targeted attacks to deepening partisan divides and the spread of conspiracy theories and hate speech on social media platforms.
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar and other lawmakers are urging colleagues to temper inflammatory rhetoric to help curb the normalization of violence and restore civility to public discourse.