Once again, our nation is shaken by political violence with the shootings in Minnesota.

We live in an environment where President Trump pardoned violent insurrectionists: people who attacked and injured law enforcement officers while storming the Capitol on January 6. This can create a permission structure for others to act, thinking they will be rewarded.

As a public official, I am no stranger to threats, both veiled and explicit. But those who choose a life of public service must continue their work and not reward those who resort to violence.

My heart goes out to those injured and the families of all those affected.