Caribbean-American leaders across the United States are speaking out in outrage and sorrow following the shocking, politically motivated killings of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, allegedly impersonated a police officer before carrying out the fatal attack on June 14. Authorities say Boelter, who operated an evangelical ministry and private security company, left behind a manifesto and a list of additional political targets. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the incident as an “assassination.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Haitian-American Mayor Alix Desulme, Ed.D., of North Miami, expressed deep sorrow and called the attack a violation of democratic values.
“I am deeply heartbroken by the horrific and senseless acts of violence that took the lives of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife,” said Desulme. “This is not only a tragedy for their families and communities, but an attack on the very principles of democracy and public service. Elected officials answer a calling to serve, not to live in fear.”
Desulme urged unity in condemning political violence and reaffirmed the importance of dialogue over bloodshed.
In Coral Springs, Haitian-American Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer Bowen issued a blistering statement, labeling the incident as a “local terrorist act” and directly criticizing the President for what she called a “continued silence” in the face of extremist violence.
“Let us be clear: this was a local terrorist act. I condemn, in the strongest terms, those responsible for this heinous violence,” she said. “At a time when this country is desperate for moral clarity and responsible leadership, the President has failed to act.”
Bowen emphasized that America must reject extremism and restore decency, calling the tragedy a “moment of reckoning.”
Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL), another Haitian-American voice in Congress, also denounced the violence as an attack on democracy itself.
“This attack on public servants—and on the sanctity of their own homes—strikes at the very heart of our democracy,” she said. “Words cannot capture the grief their loved ones, constituents, and the entire state of Minnesota are enduring.”
New York Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, shared similar sentiments on social media.
“The assassination of MN state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife are deeply disturbing. Politically motivated violence is unacceptable,” she wrote. “Praying for their families as they navigate this difficult time.”
As the investigation continues, Caribbean-American leaders are among the growing number of public officials urging swift action to protect democracy, elected leaders, and the sanctity of civil discourse in an increasingly volatile political climate.
