Howard University, hospital, trauma
(Photo: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
by Daniel Johnson

June 16, 2025

Howard University Hospital Honors Survivors, Emphasizes Trauma Care Beyond The ER

Howard University hosted its 5th Annual Victors Over Violence Award Ceremony at Howard University Hospital.

On May 30, Howard University hosted its 5th Annual Victors Over Violence Award Ceremony at Howard University Hospital, an event that honors survivors of traumatic violence as well as the healthcare teams that support them.

Howard University’s hospital has been designated a Level I Trauma Center and treats approximately 40,000 patients a year through its emergency department. It also holds space for trauma surgeons, nurses, mental health advocates, and a violence intervention and prevention unit that provides wraparound care extending from the community to the hospital’s intensive care unit.

According to a press release from Howard University, some of the scars survivors carry don’t ever heal. “The pain doesn’t leave—you just learn to live with it,” honoree Derrick Scott said in the ceremony. “I lost my best friend. Every day I carry that pain. But I’m still here. And I’m still fighting.”

Kenyatta Hazlewood, BSN, MPH, RN, and the operational officer of the Trauma Program who hosted the ceremony, said in the press release that Scott’s story is central to why the hospital is committed to honoring all of the victims of traumatic violence, including, but not limited to, gun violence.

“The first goal is always to save a life,” said Dr. Alexander Evans. “But what comes after—the emotional, psychological, and spiritual healing—that’s where the real recovery begins. Every patient carries their injury differently. Some need surgeries. Some need silence. All of them need support.”

Scott opened up about the wounds that those who live carry inside of them.

“Not everybody walks away from it,” Scott said. “I lost my friend that night. I think about it every day. Some of us are still in it. Some of us are trying to run from it. But the best way through is to face it, to talk about it, and to find people who won’t let you give up.”

According to Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, the president of Howard University Hospital, Scott’s story emphasizes the need for traumatic violence to be seen and treated as a public health crisis.

“When we talk about trauma, we’re not just talking about gunshot wounds or car accidents—we’re talking about the chronic, layered impact of violence on entire communities. That means showing up for survivors not only when they arrive in crisis, but long after they’ve been discharged.”

He concluded, “Healing doesn’t happen in a single surgery. It’s a process, and it requires community. Events like this luncheon remind us that the people we care for are more than cases. When you see someone like Derrick come back stronger, it’s a reminder of the impact we can have when trauma care is continuous, compassionate, and community-based.”

RELATED CONTENT: Quavo Named Humanitarian Of The Year For Work Against Gun Violence

two men shaking hands,Georgia Institute of Technology, desegregation,
Photo by Cytonn Photography: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-person-in-long-sleeved-shirt-shakehand-955395/
by Kandiss Edwards

June 16, 2025

Gratitude Can Take You Far In-and-Out Of The Office

There is one trick that can help struggling employees push through difficult days and its completely free: gratitude. 

Achieving the right work-life balance is not always easy. As employees attempt to get through meetings, special projects, and regular job tasks, many carry the weight of stress. One trick that can help struggling individuals and employees push through is gratitude. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), “Eighty percent of U.S. workers have reported experiencing workplace stress, and more than 50% believe their stress related to work impacts their life at home.”

The Associated Press spoke with several professionals about their efforts to maintain gratitude at the forefront, which helps them push through challenging situations and long days. 

Organizational development consultant Alison C. Jones said, “When you practice gratitude, you train your brain to always look for the positive in anything. It just completely shifts everything you’re going through.” 

Jones’s method of gratitude is used in the morning to ensure her workday is tolerable. Still, for those without personal gratefulness practices, employers can help foster an environment filled with gratitude.

The O.C. Tanner Institute specializes in mindfulness and helps companies find ways to show appreciation to their employees. 

“Recognition impacts so many facets of the employee experience. And when you do it well, it connects people back to a deep sense of purpose and meaning,” said Meghan Stettler, a director at O.C. Tanner.

Ways to Foster Personal Gratitude

  • Listening to gratitude playlists
  • Share daily things you’re grateful for with a “gratitude” buddy
  • Write in a daily gratefulness journal

Ways to Foster Office Gratitude

  • Sending thank-you notes to employees
  • Offering lunch, breakfast, or snack bars 
  • Shutting down the office early
  • Host mindfulness or yoga lessons in the office
  • Organize monthly praise reports with employees
  • Create a work or Slack channel where employees can list successes for the week.

Releasing stress can help lower blood pressure, increase productivity levels, and improve overall health. Whether your release method is mindfulness, meditation, or gratitude, the benefits are immeasurable.

RELATED CONTENT: Christy Rutherford Says Self-Care Is A Priority For Corporate Women Who Want Higher Salaries

Women’s Pro Baseball League, Mo'ne Davis, Los Angeles Queens, Hampton University
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/baseball-bat-and-balls-on-a-bench-5184684/
by Daniel Johnson

June 15, 2025

Detroit Tigers Host ‘Black In Baseball Weekend,’ Honor The Negro Leagues

The Detroit Tigers recently played their 29th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game, honoring Detroit legends like Norman "Turkey" Stearnes.

The Detroit Tigers held its 29th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game, paying homage to Detroit icons like Norman “Turkey” Stearnes on Saturday, June 14.

According to WWJ Newsradio 950, the Tigers gave away Detroit Stars jerseys to the first 15,000 fans who entered Comerica Park and conducted a Q&A session with former Negro Leagues players including Minnie Forbes, Johnny Walker, Ron Teasley, and Pedro Sierra ahead of the game. There was also a curated mini concourse museum under the ballpark’s Comerica Landing section and assorted photo ops around the ballpark.

According to WXYZ, the late Stearnes’ daughters, Joyce Stearnes Thompson and Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown, sang the national anthem on June 13, and the Black National Anthem on June 14.

On June 15, which closes the Tigers’ Black in Baseball Weekend, the first pitch will be thrown out by Kyle Terry and Kaleb Johnson, the MVPs of the Black Baseball Motor City Classic.

On Juneteenth, which closes the Tigers’ homestand, Angela Davis, president of Detroit’s NAACP branch, will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” while Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Saxophonist Daryl Beebe will perform the national anthem.

Major League Baseball has been recognizing the Negro Leagues in recent years, epitomized by the inclusion of Negro Leagues statistics into the record books during the 2024 season and the inclusion of the Negro Leagues into the storylines of MLB The Show, the popular video game.

Bob Kendrick, president of Kansas City’s National Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a central figure in the Storylines mode, told the Today Show that for him, the central question the Negro Leagues asked, in contrast to MLB’s apartheid system was, “Can you play?”

In 2024, Kendrick reflected on the positive effect that the museum’s feature in the video game mode has had in an interview with Paste Magazine.

“All last year, people were coming because they saw the museum in the video game. That was, to me, one of the ways in which you can already begin to measure the impact that this game has had. The month of February was made free of charge by our friends over at the Kansas City Royals, just as it has been the previous two years, and we saw record attendance this year. Over 16,000 people in the month of February, which is approaching June, July kind of numbers when we’re in our peak visitation season. That was tremendous to see,” Kendrick said.

He continued, “I’ve brought it to you where you can engage with it, and now you wanna learn more, and to me that’s what makes this game have such a meaningful impact. Through this video game, we have introduced the Negro Leagues to millions of young people and young adults who likely would have never known about the history of the Negro Leagues, or even for that matter maybe not even cared about the history of the Negro Leagues until they got it in this video game. That is more young people, young adults who have been connected to this game than has walked through these turnstiles over the 30 plus years that this museum has been in operations. That’s the impact.”

RELATED CONTENT: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Honors Black Managers With New Exhibit

Rori Harmon,Texas , UCLA, Coach
(Photo: Markus Spiske/Pexels)
by Daniel Johnson

June 15, 2025

BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, A Low-Key Superstar, Leads College Basketball In NIL Valuation

The expectations for Dybantsa's freshman season are sky-high.

AJ Dybantsa, the country’s number-one high school player in the country and arguably the biggest college basketball signing in Brigham Young University’s history, leads all of college basketball in NIL valuation: an estimated $4.1 million value, according to Athlon Sports.

The 6’9 Dybantsa is reportedly the first male basketball athlete to be sponsored by Red Bull and is signed by Nike in a multi-million dollar deal. He has denied rumors of a $7 million contract with BYU.

BYU is now projected to contend with the defending conference champions, the University of Houston, for the Big 12 title. Regardless of how BYU’s season goes, Dybantsa has already indicated that he will declare for the NBA draft at the end of his freshman year.

“He’s what the NBA is looking for. Wings with legitimate size that understand the game can create offense and then, in theory, can guard multiple guys,” an NBA front office executive told The Athletic.

Dybantsa seemed unconcerned with the exact value of his deals in January when he told the outlet that his deals more or less were executed by his father.

“People just gonna talk, but I (didn’t) even know how much I’m getting. They just tell my dad all of that. I’m trying to make it to the NBA, so wherever they can get me the fastest there with the best development, there’s a whole lot of pillars that come with it. Money’s going to come if I do the work, so I’m not worried about the money in a year,” Dybantsa said.

An example of his aversion to chasing a bag just to chase a bag is his NIL deal with the prep academy Utah Prep, where he signed a $600,000 deal to finish his high school career. He had a more lucrative offer from Florida’s more prestigious Montverde Academy.

“Montverde, we can use them as an example, I’m trying to show people you don’t have to go to a school like that to accomplish certain things,” Dybantsa said. “They’re a great school, and they’ve got the most league guys from high school. So, there’s no knock going there. But you don’t have to go to a school like that.

“You don’t want to just sign with somebody,” he added. “You want to be partners with them. There’s a lot more to an offer than just money. People only see the money part of it, but it’s not just about money. I’m not gonna change. They might. There are some people I know that become famous and change their whole personality. They want to have this lavish lifestyle, but I just stick to who I am, and I think people mess with that.”

RELATED CONTENT: Why NIL Deals Have More Brands Investing In College Athletes Over Pros, And Women Athletes’ Dominance In The Arena

Black Fathers , autism
Photo by Anete Lusina: https://www.pexels.com/photo/unrecognizable-black-father-with-son-holding-hands-on-city-road-5240510/
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 15, 2025

These Black Fathers Are Shifting The Narrative On Autism

New organizations are putting Black fathers and their children at the forefront of the autism conversation.

Black fathers of children with autism are creating a space for these conversations as committed parents. They are encouraging the hesitant to speak up about their emotions, fears, and hopes for their children beyond the diagnosis.

Tyrone Green, a Black father to a 3-year-old boy living with autism, did not know where to turn when he learned of his son’s diagnosis. He felt loneliness regarding his aspirations for his son, and how his new reality could change these dreams.

“(M)y wife couldn’t understand what I was going through as a Black father, all these hopes and dreams I had for my kid,” explained Green to the Associated Press. “She didn’t feel the same way.”

Instead of staying in this state of hopelessness, the Michigan resident found a community that understood his plight. He joined a Black fathers’ support group in 2021, creating a podcast two years later that speaks on Black fatherhood and autism. Called AutisHIM, the show centers on the all-encompassing reality on raising children with the developmental condition.

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people’s social skills, communication, and learning capabilities. As autism exists on a spectrum, it can vary greatly.

Studies have detailed that autism prevalence is higher among Black children than their white counterparts, as confirmed by Autism Speaks. However, systemic biases have led to delayed diagnoses, furthering complicating the journeys of Black children who have the condition.

While political leaders like Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy have disregarded autism as a “tragedy,” Black fathers are aiming to change the narratives on their children. One professor emphasized the importance of Black dads staying engaged in these health conversations, while understanding that people with the disorder can still live full lives.

“The challenge is convincing people to (talk openly and honestly), because the practice of doing that is rare, not just among Black men, but people in general,” shared Michael Hannon, a counseling professor at Montclair (NJ) State University who studies the social and emotional aspects of autism on Black fatherhood.

Other organizations have expanded their messaging to bring more Black fathers of autistic children into the community. Dr. Berry Pierre, co-founder of Autism in Black with his wife, Maria Davis-Pierre, wants to promote how engaged Black fathers are in their children’s education and futures.

“The dads are there, but we know the general public doesn’t realize that yet,” shared Pierre. “So we try to serve as this engine to shine a light on what’s really happening. The dads are there, they’re attentive. And even with this diagnosis, they’re going even harder.”

RELATED CONTENT: Black Fathers Rock! Celebrates Black Fathers, Fights Against Stereotypes

California Teacher, Racist, Ableist Image, Black Child
(Photo: Tero Vesalainen/Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 15, 2025

Huntsville, Alabama, Leaders Condemn Racist Letter Sent To City’s First Black Councilwoman

The handwritten letter referred to the councilwoman's hair as "nappy" and called her a racial slur.

The local leaders of Huntsville, Alabama, have shared statements condemning a racist letter sent to a city councilwoman.

District 1 Councilwoman Michelle Watkins received the anonymous hate message, which refers to her as a racial slur, at her council office. The author then told her to “fix your nappy head” among other verbal attacks that sparked a response from local leadership. According to News19, the handwritten letter was signed “Tennessee Valley” and postmarked June 9.

 “Is my hair nappy?” questioned Watkins on Facebook. “I received this today through the mail at the City of Huntsville.

Watkins is the first Black woman elected to the council and one of two Black people currently on the body. The city has a significant Black population, nearly 30% of its total population, according to U.S. Census Data.

“I saw the malicious attack on Council Member Michelle Watkins, and it makes me mad,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “I condemn and detest this kind of attack. Our community is much better than what that message reflects. The City denounces this incident in the strongest terms. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”

The Huntsville-Madison County NAACP Branch #5034 “unequivocally condemn[ed]” the letter. “This act of hatred is not only a personal attack on a dedicated public servant, but also an assault on the values of equity, justice, and dignity that we, as a society, must uphold,” the branch said.

The statement continued, noting how racist harassment and violence continues to plague communities across the United States.

“This incident is a stark reminder that racism remains a persistent threat in our communities, and it must be confronted with courage and unity. We call on local authorities to investigate this matter thoroughly and to hold those responsible accountable. We also urge community members to speak out against hate, to support those targeted by racism, and to work together to build a more inclusive and just society.”

Neither the mayor nor the NAACP branch have confirmed via their statements if there will be an investigation.

RELATED CONTENT: Oakland PTA Apologizes For Racist Slur Found in Elementary Yearbook

slick rick, new album, victory
Slick Rick performs during Hip-Hop 50 Live at Yankee Stadium on August 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 15, 2025

From ‘La Di Da Di’ To ‘Victory’: Slick Rick’s Storytelling Enters New Era With First Album Since 1999

He says the album speaks to his mentality now as a 60-year-old man.

Slick Rick isn’t done telling his story over beats just yet. The English-American rapper has released his first new album of this century.

The Hip Hop legend released his fifth LP, a visual album called “Victory,” June 13. He told the Associated Press that the album speaks to his mentality now as a 60-year-old man. It continues his career since his last project, 1999’s The The Art of Storytelling.

“You was a young adult, then a middled-aged man and now you’re an older man, so my mentality has to grow with it,” said Slick Rick.

Slick Rick, a formidable figure in early rap, got his start with Doug E. Fresh & the Get Fresh Crew in the mid-1980s. With his signature eye patch in tow, Rick became a household name for his 1985 hit, “La Di Da Di,” also known as one of the most sampled songs in history.

Decades later, the emcee still has the chops to compete with the heavy hitters of hip-hop today. While producing 95% of the album himself, he also leaned on new collaborators like actor and rapper Idris Elba. Additional features even include Nas, Giggs, and Estelle.

Victory took four years to make, while finding inspiration from his global upbringing with recordings in London and France. The accompanying visuals also added to this theme, taking place in the U.S., U.K., and Africa.

“It might’ve been a little hesitation, but you’re just having fun,” he told the Associated Press. “We just bringing it to the marketplace and see what happens. There’s no pressure or nothing. We’re bringing it to the people to see if they like it. Feed them.”

The album also blends hip-hop with multiple genres, including reggaeton and house music. However, he emphasized how Black people can connect to all types of sounds, wanting to further this point through this album.

He added, “It’s what Black people like. We’re not just hip-hop. We like reggae. We like house music. Let’s say like the Beatles or Barry Manilow. We go all over the place. Dionne Warwick, Diana Ross. We go places. We try to entertain ourselves in different areas of existence.”

Slick Rick’s artistry transcends time, as proven with his newest project. The impact he hopes to leave is one that keeps Black storytelling as an integral part of rap.

“It’s an open space. It hasn’t been filled, the whole storytelling thing. Before it gets too lost back into braggadocios, one frequency. Expand your horizons. You don’t always have to be rough. Be romantic…Be humorous. Be vulnerable. Go all over. Be a politician. Use your imagination. Go places, so we can take stories and give to our people’s imagination.”

RELATED CONTENT: ‘Masters Of The Mic’ Brings Legendary Rappers To Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati In August

nfl, draft, black quarterbacks
(Photo: Jean-Daniel Francoeur/Pexels)
by Daniel Johnson

June 15, 2025

Shannon Harris Becomes First HBCU Alum To Coach Pro Football Team To U.S. Championship Victory

The win caps an impressive season for Harris, who in the week leading up to the game was given the USL's Buddy Teevens Coach of the Year award.

On June 14, as the final whistle blew in the UFL championship game, DC Defenders head coach Shannon Harris made it into the history books—becoming the first HBCU alumnus to win a professional football championship in the U.S. The moment was all the more triumphant as his team cruised past the Michigan Panthers in a lopsided 58-34 victory.

According to Sports Illustrated, Jordan Ta’amu, a former career NFL backup and the 2023 UFL Offensive Player of the Year, was named the MVP of the game after completing 21 of 28 passes, throwing for 390 yards, four touchdowns, and adding seven carries for 29 yards and one rushing touchdown. The win caps an impressive season for Harris, who in the week leading up to the game was given the USL’s Buddy Teevens Coach of the Year award after he guided the Defenders to the championship in an interim capacity after the team’s former head coach, Reggie Barlow, agreed to replace Eddie George as the head coach of Tennessee State University.

After the game ended, Harris was incredibly grateful for his journey, telling Sports Illustrated, “Yeah, to God be the glory. And I’d say these guys here, man, the coaching staff, support staff, I mean, everybody’s been on the same page since day one, since taking over, and, again, we just rattle it around each other, and it continues to just be us, we, and ours, so these guys, I mean, I can’t thank them enough for the effort they put into this, the resiliency that we had throughout the course of the year. We have some great fans back in D.C., we want to do it for them as well, and God is amazing, man, God is amazing, and I’m very grateful.”

Harris, also an alum of Tennessee State University, is a former quarterback who once outdueled Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo when he was the quarterback at Eastern Illinois in a thrilling shootout that Romo’s team won 52-49. In that game, Harris went 29 of 43 for 382 yards, throwing five touchdowns and one interception; Romo wasn’t bad either, completing 21 of his 36 passes for 381 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing one interception.

Per the UFL’s announcement of Harris’ Coach of the Year award win, the strong play of the Defenders has positioned Ta’amu as a finalist for his first MVP award, the quarterback led the UFL in passing yards (2,294) and passing touchdowns (17) while ranking No. 2 in total yards (2,333) as he led the league’s most prolific offense, the Defenders ranked first in total yards, posting 3,454 yards in that category.

According to the announcement, “Harris led DC to a 6-4 regular-season record, earning a berth in the XFL Conference Championship Game. His Defenders defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks 36-18 Sunday to advance to the 2025 UFL Championship Game. Under Harris’ leadership, DC earned seven All-UFL selections, which was tied for most in the league.”

Although Harris could potentially join Barlow’s staff at Tennessee State University after the conclusion of the UFL season, as Harris basked in the glow of his victory during the post-game press conference, he told reporters that “That’s yet to be determined and we still have a lot of meetings to go and we still have things to talk over, so that’s still yet to be determined.”

He paused and glanced over at Ta’amu and another player opposite the quarterback, before closing his remarks. “These guys here, man, it’d be hard to leave these guys here.”

For now, at least, Harris can bask in the glow of his accomplishments during the course of the UFL season and his place in history as the first HBCU alumnus to win a professional football championship in the United States as he weighs his next move during the UFL’s off-season.

RELATED CONTENT: Former Super Bowl Champ Reggie Barlow Returns To HBCU Roots As New Football Coach At Tennessee State University

partnership, Swizz Beatz,
(Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images)
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 15, 2025

Swizz Beatz Join Forces With ‘Godfather of Harlem’ Showrunner For Creative Partnership

The duo will produce a new gang drama on MGM+.

Swizz Beatz has joined forces with “Godfather of Harlem” creator and showrunner Chris Brancato for a creative partnership.

The duo got their start with the Forest Whitaker-led series on Epix, where Beatz serves as the executive music producer. Now, they are taking their creative projects to the next level, with a new streamer. The partners already premiered “Hotel Cocaine” on MGM+ last year, but have new plans in development for another series called “The Westies.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the gang drama will see Brancato as showrunner for their third collaborative feature. The news has also solidified the two as a team in the entertainment industry. Despite the joint venture becoming official, no name for their newly established company has been shared yet.

However, the two shared their excitement about exploring new projects as an official entity. They plan to “intertwine compelling narratives with rich cultural elements, reflecting their commitment to storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences.”

Brancato already has roots as a seasoned television writer and showrunner. The “Narcos” creator spoke about the “creative rhythm” he shares with Beatz.

“Working with Swizz has been inspiring and energizing,” Brancato told THR. “We’ve found a creative rhythm that feels rare. Continuing to build with him and his team, Grady Spivey and Monique Blake, to bring untold stories to life in bold, cinematic ways is something I’m very excited about.”

Beatz, whose real name is Kasseem Dean, has already forged himself as a household name in the music industry. Now, the 46-year-old hopes to further his place in film and television with “The Westies”, serving as consulting producer.

“Working with Chris? It’s been epic! After four successful seasons of ‘Godfather of Harlem’ — a true cultural phenomenon — moving into producing and creating new shows with him felt incredibly natural and organic,” explained Beatz. “That’s our vibe, our inclusive chemistry, fueling and driving each other to spark fresh creative ideas. That’s exactly what this partnership will deliver.”

“The Westies” will focus on the eponymous Irish gang that dominated New York City during the 1960s and ’80s. Production will start this July.

ilhan, Omar, ICE, Minnesota
Photo by Jacquelyn Martin-Pool/Getty Images
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

June 15, 2025

Rep. Ilhan Omar, AG Keith Ellison Among Democrats Reportedly Targeted By Minnesota Gunman Who Killed State Official And Her Husband

The gunman allegedly had many pro-choice lawmakers and activists on his target list.

More insight into the Minnesota gunman’s targeted shootings reveals major Democratic figures like Rep. Ilhan Omar and Attorney General Keith Ellison on his hit list.

The list was uncovered after the suspected gunman shot and killed Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, also wounding State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife on June 14. According to ABC News, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the back-to-back shootings an “act of targeted political violence.”

The suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, disguised himself as a police officer to enter the lawmakers’ homes. Walz referred to the shootings as “politically motivated assassination,” but assured his constituents that he remains “cautiously optimistic” of Hoffman and his wife’s survival.

A deeper investigation revealed that Boelter had compiled a target list that included multiple state Democrats, including Walz. U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar, a progressive and the first Somali and Muslim woman to serve in Congress, was a confirmed name. Another progressive and Muslim political leader, Attorney General Keith Ellison, was a target as well. The list also included pro-choice activists and supporters within the state government, even including abortion providers.

Although it is unconfirmed if Boelter knew his first victims, the apparent family man worked in a leadership role at a private security firm near the area. The 57-year-old also reportedly had security and military training in his prior experience.

Boelter reportedly wore a realistic latex mask when he appeared at the homes early Saturday morning. He shot the couples within hours as their homes sat just a few miles away from one another. After trying to leave Hortman’s home, Boelter fired at police arriving to check in on the slain lawmaker. He escaped the scene on foot.

While Boelter remains on the run, security resources have been sent to those on the hit list. The Minnesota public has been urged to remain cautious of any lone police officers.

Meanwhile, the state and national community have begun to mourn the loss of Hoffman and her husband. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin emphasized how the current political division and strife led to this act of violence. He called his friend’s death a “reflection of the extremism and political violence.”

“This senseless violence must end,” expressed Martin. “Today, we recommit ourselves to fight harder for the values that Melissa and Mark embodied — building a kinder, more just, and loving world. If this murderer thinks we will be silenced, he’s wrong.”

RELATED CONTENT: Rep. Ilhan Omar: ‘Trump is a Racist Tyrant’


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