We are devastated by the assassination of one of SiX’s network members, Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attempted assassination of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This act of violence is horrifying, heartbreaking, and a stark reminder that political violence is on the rise, targeting those who serve the public with courage and conviction.
This did not happen in a distant place. It happened in the same kinds of neighborhoods you call home. It happened to colleagues — people who were partners, parents, public servants.
To every legislator across the country: We see you. We are grieving alongside you. And we want you to know you are not alone.
We’ll be led by a movement doula, activist, and strategist in an online community space, designed for you to release, restore, and be together with your peers during this difficult time. Register here:
Below, you’ll find resources curated specifically for state legislators:
Care for yourself and those around you. The resilience of our movements requires that we care for ourselves and each other, particularly in moments of crisis and grief. If you’re not able to join us in one of our healing sessions, we encourage you to tune in to what you need to strengthen yourself and to create a culture of care and resilience.
Assess safety and security risks. To start, services like DeleteMe, Kanary, and Abine can help protect your privacy by removing personal information from data brokers. Use a password manager and 2-factor authentication to ensure your accounts are secure and less vulnerable to identity theft, especially on public-facing accounts.
For a more in-depth overview of safety planning, check out SiX’s Preparing for Election Harassment and Violence blog and these resources from our trusted partners to assess and mitigate risk:
- Personal Safety & Digital Security: Considerations & Resources for Local Elected Officials, Local Progress
- Surveillance Self-Defense: Tips, Tools and How-tos for Safer Online Communications, Electronic Frontier Foundation
- Keeping Statewide Elected Officials Safe, States United Democracy Center
- Workbook on Security: Practical Steps for Human Rights Defenders at Risk, Front Line Defenders
- Underground Resources for Building a New World, Land and Liberation
Protect against threats, doxxing, or abuse. Review best practices for documenting and reporting digital abuse and how to respond to doxxing and harassment. For enhanced security support and technical assistance:
- The Public Service Alliance provides free and affordable prevention, crisis response, and resilience support to current and former public servants at any level of government.
- The Democracy Protection Network provides pro bono or low-cost crisis-response and resilience-building assistance for organizations and individuals working to strengthen democracy.
- Equality Labs offers digital security training, consultation, and audit and technical support.
- Palante Technology Cooperative provides organizational digital security services.
- The Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism provides emergency grants of up to $8,000 for unexpected security needs, focused on women, trans, or non-binary activists.
Resources on countering political violence. Political violence is a threat to our democracy—and threats against election officials and elected officials continue to rise. Review a few resources from our partners on countering this alarming trend:
- Intimidation of State and Local Officeholders, Brennan Center for Justice
- Harnessing Our Power to End Political Violence, 22nd Century Initiative and the Horizons Project
- Political Violence & US Democracy, Protect Democracy
If you are feeling overwhelmed or in crisis, know there is help, and that reaching out is a sign of strength. Connect with us at info@stateinnovation.org if you need customized support.
We know this moment is heavy. We also know you were built for this moment, and you are the leader your community needs. We’re holding space for your grief, your anger, your fear — and your deep commitment to keep showing up for our shared values. SiX is here with you, and for you. Always.