Cwodzinski reflects on violence, grief and the future of public service

State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-49, Eden Prairie) was still asleep early Saturday morning when his wife, Patty, saw flashlights outside their Eden Prairie home.

An early riser, she had just started making coffee around 5 a.m. when two officers appeared at the door.

“They pronounced her name perfectly, which really impressed her,” Cwodzinski recalled on Monday. “But they wouldn’t tell her why they were there. They just said, ‘We need to see your husband.’ It was surreal – and it only got more surreal as the hours went on.”

He later added: “They were amazing,” referring to Eden Prairie Police Chief Matt Sackett and the local officers he’s come to know during his time in office.

Since that morning, Cwodzinski said, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming.

“The humanity that comes out at times like this is so heartfelt and wonderful – friends, family, even my opponent from 2022, Marla Helseth, reached out to check on me,” he said. “I’ve heard from people I haven’t talked to in years, just asking how I’m doing.”

Within hours of that early knock, the reason became tragically clear: Minnesota House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, had been shot and killed early Saturday morning. DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were seriously wounded. Authorities say the attacks were politically motivated, part of a “planned campaign of stalking and violence” targeting legislators.

The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, allegedly posed as a police officer, used fake gear and flashing lights to approach homes, and compiled a list of more than 45 public officials – nearly all Democrats. He was arrested Sunday evening after a massive two-day manhunt.

Education, empathy and a civic call

After teaching American government and history at Eden Prairie High School for more than 30 years, Cwodzinski carried a philosophy into politics that emphasized lifting strengths over exposing weaknesses. Now, he sees the shootings as a reckoning.

“My students used to hate the negativity and mudslinging of campaigns,” he said. “They’d say, ‘Why aren’t we talking about solutions? Why are we tearing people down?’ Maybe this tragedy will be the wake-up call. Maybe it’s time to tone down the vitriol.”

He noted that the interview took place on June 16 – the anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s 1858 “House Divided” speech, delivered when Lincoln accepted the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Illinois. Though Lincoln lost the race to Stephen A. Douglas, the speech helped launch his path to the presidency two years later.

“A house divided against itself cannot stand,” Cwodzinski said. “It feels especially resonant now.”

He spoke warmly of Hortman.

“She was one of the most amazing people I ever met,” he said. “Her work ethic, her dedication to public service, her smile – I hope young people see her as a role model. I’ll never forget her.”

Police response and fear for democracy

Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case confirmed that police increased patrols around the homes of the city’s three state legislators – Cwodzinski, Rep. Alex Falconer (DFL-49A) and Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn (DFL-49B) – after the shootings.

“It’s public that all legislators across the state – within their local jurisdictions – were offered protection,” Case said. “So here in Eden Prairie, we definitely had police officers either parked out front or patrolling in front of our three legislators’ homes.”

Speaking just hours after the attacks, Case reflected on what the moment meant for elected officials and the future of public service.

“I just think it’s one more example that many of us are fearful for our democracy,” he said. “What is this coming to if elected officials are not safe to be who they were elected to be and represent the people they represent, without fear of personal harm to their lives or their families? And people won’t go into this. That’s the very core – the very center – of our democracy: to have volunteers step forward to run for these offices.”

Cwodzinski echoed that concern, reflecting on the range of reactions he’s encountered while door-knocking over the years – from partisan disdain to heartfelt thanks.

“I just hope more people recognize the sacrifices made by those in public service, from school board members to U.S. senators,” he said. “But young people aren’t going to want to do this job if they’re afraid for themselves or their families.”

Lawmakers speak out

In a written statement Monday, Rep. Alex Falconer said he was “shocked and devastated” by the loss of his friend, colleague, mentor and legislative leader.

“Melissa was a leader in every sense of the word and leaves a legacy that will last generations to the benefit of all Minnesotans who she dedicated her life’s work and energy for,” he said.

“As we mourn across the state, I extend my love and heart to their children and family, whose lives are forever upended. I also hope for a full recovery for Senator Hoffman and his wife. Thank you to everyone who reached out with their concern and love. Thank you to Eden Prairie Mayor Case and Minnetonka Mayor Wiersum for your city’s care and resources. Thank you to Eden Prairie Police Chief Sackett for acting immediately with professionalism and compassion protecting my home, family and neighborhood as well as those of Rep. Kotyza-Witthuhn and Sen. Cwodzinski.

“I urge everyone to use this tragedy as a call to treat everyone with love and respect,” Falconer added. “Please care for yourself and your loved ones. It is very much what Melissa would have wanted.”

Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn has not yet released a formal statement, but on Saturday morning she shared a photo of herself and Hortman on her personal Facebook page. The image was framed by a digital banner reading: “End Gun Violence.”

Target list and arrest

Boelter now faces state and federal charges, including murder, attempted murder and federal crimes of political violence. He could face the death penalty.

Investigators say Boelter used fake police gear to surveil multiple suburban homes, including those of at least four Democratic legislators. After allegedly shooting Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in Champlin, he traveled to Brooklyn Park, where police say he shot Mark Hortman through a partially opened door and then fatally shot Rep. Hortman inside the home.

He was ultimately found crawling from a wooded area Sunday evening after evading more than 20 SWAT teams during the two-day search.

Although Eden Prairie officers were not present at Boelter’s arrest, the city said its police department provided surveillance and intelligence support throughout the manhunt.

As Cwodzinski reflected on the days since the shooting – the grief, the fear, the uncertainty – he kept returning to what connects lawmakers, not what divides them.

“It’s emotionally draining, but I feel blessed by all the friends and colleagues I’ve met as a legislator,” he said. “At the end of the day, we all want the same thing: what’s best for our communities and families. It’s just heartbreaking when it ends in violence.”

Additional reporting by Reuters.

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A GoFundMe organized by Melissa Hortman’s brother, Patrick Haluptzok, has raised more than $138,000 of its $140,000 goal as of 10 p.m. Tuesday night. The fundraiser supports her adult children, Colin and Sophie, and will help cover funeral costs and repairs to the family’s home and vehicles damaged during the police response.