Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, have been fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “politically motivated assassination.”
In a separate incident, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times at their Champlin residence around 2 a.m.
Both survived and are recovering after surgery, with Walz expressing cautious optimism about their survival.
Both lawmakers are members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party.
The attacks, occurring 5-6 miles apart, prompted Walz to activate the state’s Emergency Operation Center to support local law enforcement efforts.
The suspect, still at large, impersonated a police officer, wearing a full uniform with a badge, vest, and Taser, and drove a vehicle resembling a police SUV equipped with lights.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley noted, “If they were in this room, you’d assume they are a police officer.”
At 3:35 a.m., officers encountered the suspect at Hortman’s home, where he fired at them before fleeing on foot after an exchange of gunfire.
A manifesto found in the suspect’s vehicle listed other lawmakers’ names, leading to increased security for those individuals.
Authorities have detained and questioned several people but have no one in custody.
A large-scale search is underway, with Brooklyn Park residents urged to shelter in place within a three-mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course.
Police are operating in pairs and advising residents to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an officer by calling 911. U.S.
House Speaker Hakeem Jeffries called the shootings “deeply disturbing,” adding, “Violence is never acceptable.”
Governor Walz emphasized the threat to democracy, stating, “Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”
The investigation continues as authorities work to apprehend the suspect.