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UnRestrict Minnesota Statement on Assassination and Anti-Abortion Manifesto

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025

CONTACT
Noah Parrish, 651-432-0171
noah.parrish@genderjustice.us

St. Paul, MN—In the wake of a targeted assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband and the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his wife, UnRestrict Minnesota—a coalition of abortion providers, advocates, and allies—issued the following statement:

“On Saturday, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House was assassinated. Another lawmaker was gravely injured. The shooter left behind an anti-abortion manifesto and a hit list of approximately 70 names: abortion providers, elected officials, and reproductive freedom advocates.

Let us be clear: this was a politically motivated act of domestic terrorism, rooted in anti-abortion extremism.

The anti‑abortion movement in this country is a leading generator of ideologically driven domestic terrorism. This assassination is part of a long and well-documented history of violence, harassment, and intimidation targeting those who provide or support abortion care.

For decades, a dedicated movement of abortion providers, clinic staff, patients, and advocates has been relentlessly targeted. We have been stalked, threatened, doxxed, and killed. What happened in Minnesota on Saturday is part of that pattern. It is the deadly consequence of a culture that dehumanizes people who believe in reproductive freedom, and it is being fueled by extremist politicians, media figures, and organizations spreading violent rhetoric.

And yet, right now, Congress is considering repealing the FACE Act—the very federal law that makes it a crime to use force, threats, or obstruction against abortion providers and patients. At a time when violence is rising, lawmakers are considering stripping away one of the few remaining protections for our community.

We are heartbroken. We are afraid. And we are clear: We will not be silenced. We will not be intimidated. And we will not back down.

UnRestrict Minnesota stands with every provider, lawmaker, and advocate named on that hit list. Our commitment to reproductive freedom is stronger than fear—and we will continue to fight for a future where everyone can access abortion care safely, freely, and without violence.”

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