A dark day in Minnesota

June 16, 2025

To the Civic Bridgers community,

This was a weekend of grief in Minnesota. As many of you know, two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes in what officials are calling targeted political violence. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of Melissa and Mark Hortman and John and Yvette Hoffman.

My first instinct was to respond immediately, but through our own teachings at Civic Bridgers, I remembered that sometimes the pause matters. Sometimes I need to listen first — to those I trust and to myself.

I started in shock, which has quickly turned to anger. Anger at leaders who have fostered a culture that permits dehumanization and fuels division. Anger at my countrymen who have enabled such a culture to take root.

My anger spilled over into the rage I felt just six months ago, when Minnesota was roiled by another targeted murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Then, America’s reaction was different, with a mix of condemnation and – somehow – justification. The same pattern emerges when we reach into the criminal history of people killed at the hands of police. Our rhetoric in these moments seeps into our culture. We must stop justifying violence.

Though my anger flows, I am reaching to remember to practice what I preach. At Civic Bridgers, we teach taking time to recognize and understand our emotional response so that it doesn't control us completely. Pausing. Giving time to recognize and understand our emotional response so that it doesn’t control us completely. Leaning on friends and colleagues who offer me different perspectives.

After this brazen attack, we can feel justified in casting blame. But let me be clear: the murderer is to blame here. Let us resist the urge to point fingers at whole groups of people for the evil actions of one man.

This weekend’s violence has been universally and rightly condemned. And let us remember that the vast majority of Americans do not support political violence. Let us not place blame at the doorstep of those who had no hand in this man’s actions.

In these dark moments, I have faith we will remember our shared humanity and walk in the footsteps of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman, dedicated public servants who have genuinely sought ways to work across differences.

In partnership,

Libby

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Libby Stegger

Executive Director, Civic Bridgers