Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve shared emotional reflections on Saturday following the tragic news of shootings targeting two state lawmakers, which left one dead and another wounded. The incidents, described by Governor Tim Walz as “targeted political violence,” cast a somber shadow over the day, including the Lynx’s scheduled WNBA game.
Speaking before the afternoon matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks, Reeve acknowledged the profound difficulty of focusing on basketball under such circumstances. “It seems pretty meaningless, certainly, hitting this close to home,” a visibly emotional Reeve stated, conveying the deep impact the violence had on the team and community.
The attacks occurred earlier that Saturday, with reports indicating Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home by an assailant posing as a police officer. Separately, state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times at their Champlin residence. Authorities investigating the attacks on the Democratic legislators noted writings mentioning multiple lawmakers and officials were found in a fake police car recovered at one of the scenes, reinforcing the targeted nature of the violence.
The news significantly overshadowed the Lynx game, which was also intended to celebrate the legacy of Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus. Despite the heavy atmosphere, Reeve confirmed there was no consideration given to canceling the game. “Today’s a tough day all around. Basketball is what we do. We’ll go out there and do what we do,” she said, adding with deep concern, “But God knows what, when our game is over, God knows what we’re going to come off the court and learn what’s happening. It’s sickening.”
A Platform for Deeper Reflection
Beyond the immediate shock, Coach Reeve used the moment to voice broader concerns about the state of the nation. With tears in her eyes, she spoke about the “difficult state of the country and world,” attributing it partly to “the radicalization that’s occurred.” She suggested there was a clear timeframe for when the country “started to turn,” reflecting on a political climate she finds deeply troubling.
Reeve, the daughter of an Air Force veteran, also reflected on the concept of democracy, expressing alarm at seeing it “so at risk, under attack.” She questioned the implications for the next generation. Her comments also touched on the evolution of language, noting how terms like “politically correct,” which she felt once meant “kindness and thinking of others,” along with “inclusion,” have become “weaponized.” Despite resistance, Reeve asserted the absolute necessity of standing firm in the principle of inclusion, which she noted is sometimes met with opposition she believes is “rooted in power – white power, no less.”
Team and Community Reactions
Following the Lynx’s 101-78 victory, Reeve noted that her players remained in shock. All-Star forward Napheesa Collier echoed the sentiment that the tragedy put basketball into perspective. “It’s not the most important thing,” Collier said, describing the current environment as a “scary time we’re living in.” As a mother, Collier expressed particular fear about raising her young daughter in an environment where she feels her daughter might have “less rights” than she did growing up, lamenting what she sees as “taking democracy away from the land of the free.”
Coach Reeve encouraged her players to be cautious but emphasized the importance of using their platforms. “Now is the time, more than ever. It’s not the time to be afraid,” she told them.
The Minnesota sports community collectively expressed grief and condemnation. The Minnesota Twins released a statement expressing horror and heartbreak, condemning the “senseless acts of violence.” The Minnesota Vikings, who described Melissa Hortman as a “friend of the Vikings for more than 15 years” and a “tremendous state leader,” also issued a statement condemning the violence and urging a rejection of hateful division in favor of mutual respect and unity. The Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Frost also shared messages of sorrow and support for the victims and community.
Before the game began at the Target Center, located just miles from the sites of the attacks, the Minnesota Lynx held a moment of silence to honor the victims and acknowledge the profound sadness felt across the state. Governor Walz himself spoke powerfully, calling the incident an “unspeakable tragedy” and praising Hortman as a “great leader” and “giant in Minnesota,” stating that differences in a democracy are not settled with violence.
The events served as a stark reminder of the real-world impact of political division and violence, prompting heartfelt reactions and calls for unity and reflection from across the Minnesota sports landscape.
