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Minnesota State Representative Pam Altendorf (R-Red Wing) released her latest legislative update following the recent shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. The incident involved a mentally challenged individual who killed two children and injured several others during a church service.

Altendorf described the attack as a hate crime, stating, "Any shooting event is horrific, but the targeting of Christians as they worshiped in church is beyond appalling – and is in fact a hate crime. Please continue praying for the victims and their families as they heal and recover."

She reported that one of the hospitalized victims, a 12-year-old girl, has shown improvement and her condition was upgraded from critical to serious. Lawmakers are currently discussing measures to improve safety for children at schools.

Altendorf also addressed proposed changes by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office regarding voting provisions. She expressed concern about new rules related to vouching for unregistered voters and felon voting being implemented without public hearings. "What we need is for 25 people to request a hearing. As a member of the House Elections Committee, I can tell you we need a hearing to get to the bottom of some of these issues," she said.

On the topic of fraud within state agencies, Altendorf noted that she joined other Republican lawmakers in requesting a federal audit of the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). According to Altendorf, "Two weeks ago, The House Fraud Committee received news that the federal government is already conducting an audit of Minnesota Medicaid autism therapy services and would potentially expand its investigation to consider the serious issues raised in the letter."

She referenced recent investigations into fraud within DHS programs such as Housing Stabilization Services. Reports indicated ongoing problems including bribes, falsified records, and payments made for deceased clients. Despite warnings from county officials over nearly two years, payments continued while some Minnesotans did not receive needed help.

Altendorf mentioned that Assistant Commissioner Eric Grumdahl was scheduled to speak before the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Policy Committee but was fired just hours before his appearance. She questioned whether this action was an attempt by state officials to avoid accountability: "There is little doubt the Walz administration is trying to hide its activity – or better stated, continued inactivity – on government fraud from the legislature and the public."

In her update, Altendorf discussed broader concerns about increasing political violence in society. She cited recent events including what she described as "the murder of conservative champion Charlie Kirk." Altendorf wrote: "Charlie Kirk was basically murdered because someone was upset with his views and his 1st Amendment right to express them."

She also commented on reactions to Kirk's death on social media: "The social media response to his killing has been nothing short of diabolical. Tens of thousands of keyboard warriors celebrated his death, and a lot of them are now losing their jobs over their reactions."

Addressing polarization in society, Altendorf stated: "We are in a dangerous place in our society when we label someone who does not think exactly like us as an enemy and that they could and should be murdered for their beliefs." She called for more open dialogue across political differences.

Altendorf concluded her message by encouraging constituents to focus on family life and community support during difficult times: "Please continue to focus on your families and controlling what you can control. Sometimes it is really good for your soul to just turn off the news and stop scrolling on social media and focus on yourself, going to church, or helping a neighbor."