SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Support for Minnesota lawmakers and their families can be felt across state lines.

“Boy, it was really shocking, honestly speaking,” South Dakota Senate Minority Leader Liz Larson said. “Very horrifying.”

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Vance Boelter, 57, faces state and federal murder and attempted murder charges. He made his first court appearance Monday.

Over the weekend, authorities say Boelter, disguised as a police officer, drove up to State Senator John Hoffman’s house where he shot and wounded Hoffman and his wife. Court documents say he then stopped at two other lawmakers’ homes before going to a fourth home where he’s accused of shooting and killing State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband.

Larson said she never imagined political divisions would lead to an incident like this.

“Our politics should not be dealt with like this,” Larson said. “I think that there’s a broad sense of understanding across, or at least in South Dakota state legislature, that that is a common thing that we all agree on.”

South Dakota state legislative leaders released a joint statement shortly after the attacks, expressing their heartache for a “senseless act of political violence.”

“Our security is something that we take very seriously,” Larson said. “I think that we’re in kind of changing times like we probably should make more efforts to make our lawmakers secure and safe.”

It’s a point that Larson said could be brought up in the next South Dakota legislative session. South Dakota President Pro Tempore Chris Karr echoes the call for civility, praising South Dakota’s legislative culture.

“We do get along firmly and respectfully,” Karr said. “We may not agree on issues, but I think that’s something that others should take notice of and be proud of the South Dakota Legislature and how we do business here.”

Karr said the tragedy also raises deeper questions.

“How did this person get to that point where they were willing to go to such an egregious steps of violence and murder individuals over political philosophies? That’s something we all need to reflect on,” Karr said.

Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were targeted first, survived the shooting and remain in the hospital.