NWLC on Minnesota Shootings and Reports that Suspect Was Possibly Motivated by Anti-Abortion Ideology

Washington, DC – Fatima Goss Graves, president and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, issued the following statement following the horrific shootings in Minnesota Saturday morning and amid reports that the suspect had included abortion providers and abortion advocates on his list of targets: 

“The rule of law is the bedrock of our democracy. When violence replaces justice, no one is safe — least of all women. There should be absolutely no tolerance for political violence. Our hearts are with the Hortman and Hoffman families as we demand swift and decisive justice in the wake of this horrific attack. 

“As we continue to learn more about this devastating tragedy, we are also deeply alarmed by reports that the shooter’s list of targets may have included abortion providers and advocates. Since the Dobbs decision, we’ve seen an alarming rise in violence and threats against those who provide abortion care — including the deadly bombing in Palm Springs, California, just last month.  

“This climate of fear is fueled by the dangerous rhetoric of this administration, which has repeatedly demonized entire groups of people, particularly reproductive health care providers. Their words have direct and deadly consequences for patients, providers, and entire communities.”