This offseason hasn’t been easy for all the teams. And it’s not just about football anymore. A terrible tragedy has struck Minnesota. Amidst the ensuing fear and chaos, Kevin O’Connell’s Minnesota Vikings have spoken up. For the Vikings, it’s about their community and the devastating loss they have faced recently. And they have issued a strong call to action along with their support.

As per reports, on Saturday, there was a report of g*nfire at a home in Champlin. When the responders reached the scene, they discovered State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife Yvette with b*llet wounds. After first aid administration, they were quickly rushed to the hospital for surgery. Surviving the attack, they are now under strict medical care. When the news broke, a sergeant thought to check the house of Melissa Hortman, who also lived in the community. The attacker was still present at the scene and opened fire at the officers. Shortly afterwards, the person “retreated into Melissa’s home” and later escaped on foot. The police discovered both Melissa and her husband Mark had been sh*t in their home. As a manhunt has been issued following the incident, the Vikings have spoken up.

As per the Vikings’ official IG account, Kevin O’Connell’s team has issued a statement addressing the attack that has shaken the whole state. “As Minnesotans and a team that cares deeply about our state, we are shocked and saddened by the targeted overnight attacks that took the lives of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and seriously injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Our organization has worked closely with both legislators and appreciated their duties as civil servants.” The statement by the Vikings further shared their prayers for the Hortman family. “Our prayers are with the Hortman family as they grieve this tragedy and with all government officials who are mourning the loss of a colleague and friend. We hope for fast and full recoveries for Senator Hoffman and Yvette and safety of all members of law enforcement who continue to search for those responsible.”

The Vikings ended the post with a strong call to action against this tragedy, “These senseless acts should have no place in our communities, our state or our society. We must all unequivocally condemn political violence, reject hateful division, and deliberately work toward mutual respect, compassion and unity.” As per the latest reports, the officials have identified the suspect named Vance Boelter, 57. Boelter reportedly disguised himself as a law enforcement official to gain entry into the victims’ houses. The sh**ter’s vehicle also reportedly contained a manifesto, with a target list that contained the names of the victims. While the manhunt continues, the devastated community of Minnesota has come together in solidarity to speak up against the horrific incident.

Minnesota community shares condolences and support

It wasn’t just the Vikings who were shocked by the loss of the Hortman family and the injured Hoffman family. Even the youth basketball teams, the Timberwolves and Lynx, issued a statement to share their condolences and support. They stressed the importance of “commitment to fostering a community of unity, mutual respect and peace – where public servants can do their vital work safely and without fear.” Minnesota’s MLB team, the Twins, released a statement of their own condemning the incident and sharing their sympathies and prayers with the families. But it wasn’t just the sports teams that were vocal about this tragedy.

Democratic U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar spoke about her being heartbroken by the tragedy. She also added, “Melissa Hortman was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and I still remember the two of us going door to door in her first legislative campaign. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion.” Even Minnesota Governor Tim Walz shared his sympathies on losing a friend. He called Melissa a “formidable public servant” and added, “Melissa Hortman woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness.” Both Klobuchar and Walz have issued strong calls to action against the sh**tings and sent their prayers to the Hortman family.

As Minnesota reels from this blow, the Vikings, along with the rest of the community, continue to share their support. As per reports, the manhunt for the accused still continues. With law enforcement working around the clock, we can only wait and hope a swift resolution comes to this tragedy.