Senator John Hoffman returns to Minnesota State Senate after surviving assassination attempt

After surviving a shooting in June, Senator John Hoffman’s goal, while learning to walk again, was to get up the steps to the Minnesota Senate.

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On Tuesday afternoon, before the start of the new legislative session, Hoffman was escorted up the steps to the Senate by the state troopers who watched over his family.

“They kept watch in our most vulnerable hours; they ensured safety when uncertainty, real uncertainty, surrounded us,” Hoffman said. “I am grateful to them forever.”

Hoffman thanked the troopers when he made it to the top of the steps, before entering the doors to the Senate.

Inside the chamber, he received a warm welcome from fellow senators who then settled in to hear him speak about the terrifying ordeal.

“My family and I have walked through a chapter that changes a person. When you survive an attempted assassination, you look at the world differently,” Hoffman said.

RELATED: State Sen. Hoffman describes night of terror | Hoffman family shares more details about targeted shooting

The Senator was shot nine times, and his wife eight. Their daughter Hope was eventually able to call 911 to get help. Hoffman thanked his daughter for her “courage” to help save her parents.

He also had a message for colleagues as they began a new session.

“Let’s rise above the noise, and let us govern with humility, and let us prove through our actions, not just words, that democracy is stronger than fear,” Hoffman said. He added in his speech on the Senate floor that he returned to the Capitol changed, but not deterred.

Senate leaders on both sides of the political aisle welcomed Hoffman back.

“The prayers of so many are with you, John and Yvette, Hope and the family,” said Sen. Mark Johnson, Republican Minority Leader.

“It’s nothing short of a miracle that you are here with us again,” said Sen. Erin Murphy, DFL Majority Leader. “The pain, the suffering, and incredible determination undertaken to recover.”

Lawmakers also honored House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, who, along with her husband, was killed by the same gunman who shot the Hoffmans.

RELATED: Minnesota lawmakers honor Hortmans at start of new legislative session
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