The political violence in Minnesota this past weekend directly impacted the limb-loss community and the broader disability community. Both of the state legislators targeted in the attacks have spent their careers promoting fairness, opportunity, and access for amputees and others with disabilities.
Sen. John Hoffman, who was critically wounded along with his wife, Yvette, was the lead sponsor of Minnesota’s So Every BODY Can Move legislation, which passed last summer. Hoffman’s daughter, Hope, is an amputee and an accomplished disability activist in her own right. According to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Hoffman was motivated to enter politics in part because his family had such a difficult time obtaining health insurance for Hope, who was born with spina bifida.
“Sen. Hoffman’s very strong interests in disability rights issues were evident when he first ran for state office in 2012,” wrote Access Press, a St. Paul-based digital news source. “He has led on many issues, including disability workforce need. And while Hoffman doesn’t always march in lockstep with the community, more often than not he is a very stalwart and reliable disability community ally.”
Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was killed alongside her husband, Mark, promoted disability-friendly reforms throughout her 20-plus years as an elected official. As House Speaker last year, she presided over the creative parliamentary maneuvers that enabled the SEBCM law to pass on the final day of the 2024 legislative session. “Speaker Hortman was a dedicated leader and a tireless champion for the rights and dignity of Minnesotans with disabilities,” the Minnesota Council on Disability wrote at its website. “Her unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion left an indelible mark on our state and community.”
SEBCM is just one of many amputee-friendly initiatives the legislators have supported over the years. Tony Fruci, president of the Minnesota Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists & Pedorthists, told Amplitude: “The Minnesota limb loss and limb difference community is devastated at the recent tragedies involving two of its state lawmakers, Senator John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, both supporters of Minnesota orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) legislation. The Minnesota Society of Orthotists, Prosthetists & Pedorthists (MSOPP) and Wiggle Your Toes (WYT) express heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. Senator Hoffman championed Minnesota’s recent Improved Access to O&P Care Law (MSOPP, WYT and SEBCM) as the lead Senate author. Rep. Hortman supported Minnesota O&P legislative efforts for years and served as Speaker Emerita of the Minnesota House. The extended Minnesota O&P community greatly appreciates all they have done for those living with limb loss and limb difference. May Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette recover successfully. May Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark rest peacefully. Our thoughts go out to each of them, along with their families, friends, and all those impacted by these tragedies.”
No evidence has surfaced so far to indicate that the gunman was motivated by anti-disability sentiment. Nonetheless, wrote the Association of University Centers on Disabilities at its website, “This act of violence is not only a direct assault on our democracy, but a terrifying reminder of the threats faced by those who advocate for the rights and dignity of people with disabilities. The targeting of Representative Hortman and Senator Hoffman sends a chilling message about the issues they championed.”
Minnesota legislators from both parties issued a joint statement loudly condemning the use of violence to resolve political disagreements.
