SE Twin Cities

Minnesota State Representative Terry Stier has reflected on recent tragedies and the community response in a column published this week. The state was shaken by the murders of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as an attack on Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. According to Stier, these were not random acts but targeted attacks that deeply affected Minnesotans.

Stier stated, "We’ve since learned the perpetrator had a list of additional intended targets, but thanks to swift action by law enforcement, he was stopped before he could cause further harm. He was ultimately apprehended by the same brave men and women he tried to impersonate."

He added that the assailant’s actions undermined public trust in law enforcement: "In doing so, he abused the trust of the public and tarnished a role that thousands of honorable men and women work hard to uphold every day. When someone uses a badge or a uniform to deceive and destroy, it causes harm that runs deeper than most can understand. It breaks down trust in the very institutions meant to keep us safe."

Despite these events, Stier highlighted positive examples from communities responding to hardship. He described volunteering in Bemidji after a severe storm caused significant damage: "Neighbors helping neighbors. Strangers showing up with equipment, food, or just a willingness to lend a hand. A deputy offering to pitch in after his shift. A passerby offering his skid steer to someone he didn’t even know. No one asked for credit. No one looked for recognition. They just showed up because that’s what we do in Minnesota."

Stier encouraged residents not to wait for crises before connecting with their communities: "So, here’s my challenge: don’t wait for the next storm or crisis to connect with your community. Say hi to your neighbor. Help someone in need. Support your local community. And when something terrible does happen, be the person who shows up with a helping hand."

He concluded by invoking Melissa Hortman’s values: "Let’s be the reason someone still believes in the goodness of this world. That’s the Minnesota Melissa Hortman believed in, and that’s what will carry us forward."