Lynx Honor Augustus Amid Somber Atmosphere Following Shootings

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — The atmosphere at Target Center was heavy on Saturday as the Minnesota Lynx prepared to face the Los Angeles Sparks in a nationally televised WNBA game. This matchup not only celebrated Seimone Augustus’ Hall of Fame career but also unfolded against a backdrop of recent violence targeting lawmakers.

Coach Cheryl Reeve sat in a quiet room an hour and a half before the game, visibly shaken. Tears filled her eyes as she spoke about the recent shootings of state lawmakers, including Democratic House leader Melissa Hortman, who was fatally shot alongside her husband at their home in Brooklyn Park. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, survived an attempted attack in Champlin.

“It seems pretty meaningless, certainly, hitting this close to home,” Reeve said. She described the wider societal issues contributing to this violence, expressing concern over the radicalization in the country. “It’s very clear the timing of when our country really started to turn. Today’s a tough day, all around. … God knows what we’re going to come off the court and learn about what’s happening. It’s sickening.”

As the game approached, Reeve noted there was no discussion of canceling the match. Yet, she was left to ponder the direction of the nation amid increased political hostility. “Who’d have thought,” she began, reflecting on when kindness once guided political discourse, “that inclusion is weaponized.”

Before the game, Reeve had not met with players, believing some might still be unaware of the news. She acknowledged a planned protest against political violence, called the No Kings protest, held nationwide.

“Something I heard about a lot when I was growing up was democracy,” Reeve continued, highlighting the sacrifices made by her family for freedom and participation in society. “To see democracy so at risk, under attack? And what’s next for this generation?”

The events of the day cast a shadow not just on the Lynx, but on the entire Twin Cities community.