BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — In the wake of political violence shaking the nation, Brooklyn Park finds itself in a state of apprehension. Following the tragic assassination of long-serving Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, two candidates are vying for the vacant legislative seat left open by this deeply unsettling event.
Voters in this Minneapolis suburb are preparing for elections amid fears derived from a series of political attacks, including the recent shooting of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. The assassination of Hortman, a respected Democrat and former House speaker, has left an indelible mark on the community.
Ruth Bittner, the Republican candidate, noted that constituents are hesitant to engage, saying, We are in very, very scary times, and we definitely need to get out of this trajectory that we’re on here. This sentiment echoes throughout Brooklyn Park, as residents grapple with a charged political atmosphere shaped by violence.
Meanwhile, Xp Lee, the Democratic candidate and former city council member, shared his resolve to honor Hortman’s legacy by striving towards a peaceful political dialogue. I can’t think of a better way to honor her than to go to the Capitol and do my best in the seat, he expressed.
The violent backdrop comes a month after a tragic shooting at a local Catholic church, where two schoolchildren lost their lives, further exacerbating community fears. It’s definitely come up. Just yesterday, a couple of people mentioned it while I was door knocking, Lee said, shedding light on how pervasive the anxieties stemming from these incidents have become.
The recent assassination of Kirk, occurring in front of an audience and quickly disseminated online, has united voices from varying political factions in condemnation. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the incident, stating on social media, In America, we don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint. This outcry echoes sentiments from other lawmakers who emphasize the need for a shift away from aggressive political rhetoric that fosters such violence.
As voters cast their ballots, the pressing issues surrounding the political climate, gun control debates, and community safety remain at the forefront. Both candidates recognize the urgent need to promote dialogue, facilitate healing, and restore a sense of security among residents in Brooklyn Park.
