Minnesota shootings: Oklahoma lawmakers condemn political violence

Legislative leaders across the political spectrum in Oklahoma are speaking out in condemnation after a deadly shooting in Minnesota claimed the lives of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife injured.

>> Minnesota shootings: Gov. Stitt, NGA Chair condemn political violence

What we know now:

1. Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed overnight.
2. Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and wounded overnight.
3. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz calls the shootings a "politically motivated" attack.
4. A manhunt is currently underway for the suspect or suspects, who authorities say could be impersonating police officers.

Authorities have confirmed the overnight attacks were politically motivated. In response, members of Oklahoma's legislative leadership offered statements expressing grief, solidarity, and a firm rejection of violence in political life.

Senate Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, called the attack an assault on fundamental democratic values.

“This horrific act is not just an attack on these public servants and their families, it is an attack on every American who believes in the rule of law, the peaceful exchange of ideas and the importance of civic duty,” Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said. “We can disagree strongly on policy and still hold space for one another’s humanity. Violence is not and will never be an acceptable response to political differences. Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman have dedicated their lives to serving the people of Minnesota. This violent, senseless act is absolutely heartbreaking. I pray for their families and loved ones during this time. The Oklahoma House and Senate stand united in unequivocal condemnation of violence, no matter the source or circumstance.”

DETAILS: Minnesota shootings: Active search for suspect who killed Melissa Hortman, wounded John Hoffman

House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, emphasized the broader threat that political violence poses to democracy and personal safety.

“Political violence is a threat to our democracy and to the very foundation of civil society,” Speaker Kyle Hilbert said. “There is no place in our nation for violence of any kind, let alone politically motivated attacks on those who serve in public office and their families. As a husband and the father of young children, the idea of someone coming into my home because we may disagree politically is terrifying and heartbreaking. We pray for Speaker Hortman, Senator Hoffman, and their families and for strength in the difficult days ahead. Oklahoma stands in solidarity with the Minnesota Legislature and renews its call for decency, civility and the peaceful resolution of our differences.”

LEARN MORE: Minnesota Shooting suspect may have impersonated law enforcement, authorities say

Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt, D-Oklahoma City, reflected on her personal connection to Speaker Hortman.

"My heart is broken for the elected officials and their loved ones that were assassinated or injured this morning,” Kirt said. “This is a shocking assault on democracy throughout our nation. I personally knew Speaker Melissa Hortman — she was an outstanding public servant and extremely kind. Violence of this nature has no place in our country and we should have no tolerance of it. I stand together with my colleagues to condemn this horrific crime, pray for the families of those killed and wounded, and look to law enforcement to bring the assailant to justice."

House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, also shared a personal memory and emphasized the national significance of the tragedy.

“I am heartbroken to lose my friend and colleague Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband to an act of senseless, political violence,” Munson said. “Melissa and I served on the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Board of Directors together. Minnesota has lost an amazing leader and her husband to a horrid act. I am praying for their families as they navigate this incredible loss, and I am praying for recovery for Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Political violence is an attack on democracy and the principles of freedom this country was built upon. Oklahomans join Minnesota in mourning this devastating loss and standing firm against political violence in any form.”

She also spoke with Haley Hetrick about how this was especially scary as a woman in politics.

“I was distraught. It just feels surreal,” Munson said. “Speaker Hortman was an incredible leader and an incredible person. There are not many of us who are in leadership positions like that.”

Munson said the tragedy has not only shaken her personally but also reignited concerns about safety in public life — concerns that, for her, aren’t new. “Even before the political climate became as extreme and divided as it is now, my dad, my sister, and my friends have always worried about my safety,” she said. “I’m traveling the state, attending events — my job now includes making sure my caucus and staff understand what safety protocols are in place.”

“This is, unfortunately, the reality of the job we have now,” she added.

Despite that, Munson said the attack has made her more determined than ever to stay visible in her work. “I feel more resolved than ever before to be out talking to people and listening to them.”

She believes part of the problem stems from how political discourse has changed. “There is this constant dehumanization of leaders, of people who think differently or have different ideas for how to address the issues we face,” she said. “I can't imagine what it takes for someone to choose violence, to take a life. This is beyond Minnesota — this is nationwide now.”

As a public servant, Munson said she feels a duty to not only speak out but to lead by example. “It is my responsibility to be an example and demand better — from our leaders, from myself, and in how we talk about difficult issues,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s often just a disagreement — and yet we treat each other like enemies.”

This is a developing story.

WATCH: Minnesota shootings: Gov. Walz says lawmakers targeted in 'politically motivated' attack

LATEST FROM CBS NEWS: Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. Hoffman and wife wounded in politically motivated shooting, Gov. Walz says