00:00For what purpose does the gentleman from Kentucky seek recognition?
00:05Mr. Speaker, I move that the House suspend the rules and pass House Resolution 519 as amended.
00:11The Clerk will report the title of the resolution.
00:13House Resolution 519, Resolution condemning the attacks on Minnesota lawmakers in Brooklyn Park and Champlain, Minnesota,
00:21and calling for unity in the rejection of political violence in Minnesota and across the United States.
00:27Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Kentucky, Mr. Comer, and the gentleman from California, Mr. Garcia,
00:33each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Kentucky.
00:38Mr. Speaker, I ask you to ask consent that all members have five legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
00:43and include extraneous material on this measure.
00:46Without objection.
00:47I yield myself such time as I may consume.
00:49The gentleman is recognized.
00:51Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
00:53Mr. Speaker.
00:54On June 14th, a horrific tragedy was inflicted on America and the state of Minnesota.
01:01Early that morning, a deranged assassin ambushed State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette,
01:08both of whom were shot multiple times at their home while bravely defending their daughter.
01:14Hours later, the same assassin broke into the residence of Melissa Hortman and murdered her and her husband, Mark, in cold blood.
01:23Melissa was the former 61st Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
01:28These attacks were not random.
01:31Recent evidence has revealed that they were part of a larger plot.
01:35The assailant was planning that appeared to target public servants and their families across the state.
01:41Such violence has no place in our country, especially political violence.
01:46Today, my colleagues and I firmly condemn these attacks and all who seek to harm our elected officials, regardless of party or ideology.
01:57In this country, we resolve our differences through spirited debate, the ballot box, and by working through an intentionally designed constitutional system left to us as our founding father's greatest legacy.
02:12The victims of this horrible attack were not just politicians.
02:15They were neighbors, parents, sons, and daughters.
02:20They believed in this nation and their state enough to dedicate their lives to representing their constituents' interests and the pursuit of positive change.
02:28I'm confident that my colleagues share this sentiment and can agree that no American, whether elected official or private citizen,
02:36should live in fear of being targeted for their beliefs, their vote, or their service.
02:42I would also like to recognize the valiant effort of law enforcement in tracking down and capturing the suspect in this case.
02:49Despite knowing the danger the alleged murderer possessed for 40 hours, officers across numerous departments and agencies worked tirelessly to locate and stop the killer before he could strike again.
03:02Their courage and professionalism prevented further loss of life, and they deserve our deepest gratitude.
03:09We stand with the people of Minnesota.
03:13We condemn these horrific attacks and denounce political violence in all its forms as contrary to the American Constitution and our way of life.
03:23In moments like these, we must all come together to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the peace and civility that define the America that I know and love.
