Maine politicians expressed sadness and concern Saturday following what officials have described as the politically motivated shootings in Minnesota that killed two people and injured two others.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and another lawmaker and his wife were wounded in the attack.
“I am saddened and appalled by the tragedy that unfolded this morning in Minnesota. All Americans should condemn this horrific act. Political violence has no place in America,” Maine Gov. Janet Mills said in a social media post. “My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all the people of Minnesota.”
U.S. Rep. Jared Golden, a Democrat representing Maine’s 2nd District, echoed that sentiment.
“My heart goes out to the people of Minnesota affected by what appear to be targeted shootings against state lawmakers,” Golden said in a statement. “This has to stop. We cannot tolerate political violence in the United States. We must call for peace and calm in this fraught moment, as we pray for the safety of all Americans and for this killer to be swiftly apprehended and brought to justice.”
Former Maine Gov. Paul LePage, who has filed to run in 2026 for Maine’s 2nd Congressional District, the seat currently occupied by Golden, also responded to the shootings.
“Disturbing news just out of Minnesota. Apparently two state legislators were targeted in shootings this morning at home. This is horrible,” LePage wrote in a social media post. “There is no place for violence — especially political violence — in our nation. None. While we don’t know all of the details, let’s keep these people and their families in our prayers.”
