Montpelier, VT – Over the weekend, a Minnesota state representative and her husband were assassinated and a state senator and his wife were shot. Vermont Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas has issued the following statement:
“I am appalled and sickened by the political violence in Minnesota and grieve for the victims and their families. I am thankful that law enforcement has apprehended the perpetrator, and we can avoid additional bloodshed. This tragedy highlights the unfortunate truth that we must continue to be vigilant and work hard to keep everyone who participates in our democracy – voters, clerks, election volunteers, and those that serve – safe. My office will continue this work, but we need everyone’s help; we are stronger together. Our democracy is designed so that we can address differences through dialogue and at the ballot box. There is no excuse for violence in our country. “