BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (RTW News) — Following the shocking assassination of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, two candidates are actively campaigning in Brooklyn Park to fill the legislative seat left vacant by the tragic killings of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.
The political climate has grown tense, with residents expressing fears amid recent incidents of violence, including the assassination of Hortman and the shooting at a Minneapolis church that left two children dead. Both events have shaken the community and have been front and center in discussions as voters prepare to go to the polls.
Republican candidate Ruth Bittner has noticed a palpable fear among residents in the neighborhood where Hortman lived. We are in very, very scary times, Bittner, a real estate agent, stated. Despite the fear, she is determined to push forward, believing that a retreat into silence won’t solve the escalating violence.
The shooting of Kirk, which occurred during a public event, has led to widespread condemnation across party lines and intensified fears of political violence. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressed concern about the current atmospheres, stating, In America, we don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.
Democratic candidate Xp Lee, a former member of the Brooklyn Park City Council, also reflected on the charged political climate, emphasizing the need for change and support for policies aimed at reducing gun violence. As he canvassed the neighborhood, many residents referenced the recent shootings and expressed a desire for candid discussions centered on safety and political civility.
As Brooklyn Park prepares for this crucial special election, the echoes of tragedy resonate deeply within the community, highlighting the urgent need for healing and reform.
