Mayor Calls for Civility After Officials' Assassination
Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse called for reduced political rhetoric and increased civility during his weekly Council Minute address following the assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman and shooting of State Senator John Hoffman over the weekend.
Busse described the killings as "one of the darkest events in Minnesota history" and praised law enforcement officials, including Bloomington Police, for tracking down and arresting the shooter. The mayor said he had worked with Hortman on several issues and described her as "an outstanding leader and a wonderful person."
The mayor cited research from the Brennen Center for Justice and Princeton University's Bridging Divides Institute showing that at least half of state and local elected officials have reported threats, harassment and intimidation. He said women and people of color in elected office report the highest levels of hostile experiences, particularly abuse related to their families and children.
The next time you hear someone or read something that is disparaging, or hostile, or racist, or misogynist, or demeaning, or threatening, tell that person to stop," Busse said during the address. "Call out the behavior we all know is wrong.
Busse also announced that Bloomington has been named one of the Star Tribune's Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota for 2025, based on employee feedback surveys. He promoted upcoming community events including the Juneteenth Celebration on June 21 at Valley View Playfields and the Pride Celebration on June 22 at Bloomington Civic Plaza.
Our proprietary artificial intelligence agent analyzed publicly available documents including meeting agendas, minutes, and transcripts to write this story to help inform local residents. Feedback helps us improve, so please consider rating how we did with the thumbs up or down below.
Go deeper on this topic
Research related meeting documents and build a brief — without rewriting the story.
Full analysis
Areas of Interest (4)
- Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse calls for end to political violence following assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman.
- Data from Brennan Center and Bridging Divides Institute shows rising hostile acts against local elected officials.
- Mayor links hostile political environment to loss of local government talent and reduced community engagement.
- City of Bloomington receives 'Top 200 Workplace' distinction from Star Tribune based on employee feedback.
Notable Quotes (2)
If we aren't at some sort of tipping point, we’re darn close.
I’m always up for a good debate, but let’s talk policies, not people.
People (3)
Tim BusseMayor of BloomingtonDelivered the Council Minute address reflecting on recent violence and city achievements.
1 quote
Delivered the Council Minute address reflecting on recent violence and city achievements.
“Let’s talk policies, not people.”
Advocating for civil debate during the council address.
Melissa HortmanRepresentativeVictim of a recent assassination.
Victim of a recent assassination.
John HoffmanState SenatorVictim of a recent shooting incident.
Victim of a recent shooting incident.
Places Mentioned
Events & Meetings (3)
- June 21, 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Bloomington Juneteenth Celebration at Valley View Playfields
- June 22, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Bloomington Pride Celebration at Bloomington Civic Plaza
- June 22, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: John Phillip Sousa Memorial Band Concert at Pond Dakota Mission Park
Source document
Was this story helpful?
Other Topics from This Document
Assassination of Representative Melissa Hortman and shooting of Senator John Hoffman
Rising violence and threats against elected officials
Importance of civil political discourse
City of Bloomington recognized as a 2025 Star Tribune Top 200 Workplace
Upcoming community events: Juneteenth, Pride, and Sousa Band Concert
Want to know when new stories arrive?
Enter your email to receive updates.
We will not use your email for any other purpose. You can unsubscribe at any time.