A devastating series of events unfolded in Minnesota, leaving one Democratic lawmaker and her husband dead, while another lawmaker and his spouse were shot and hospitalized. Melissa Hortman, the Democratic speaker in Minnesota’s House of Representatives, and her husband Mark were killed in their home by a gunman impersonating a police officer. Meanwhile, Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his spouse were shot multiple times but are expected to survive after receiving surgery.
According to authorities, the suspect exploited the trust of police uniforms to gain entry into the lawmakers’ homes. “The suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent,” said Bob Johnson, a public safety commissioner. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility.” The gunman fled the scene after an exchange of gunfire and is currently being hunted by police.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the killings as a “politically motivated assassination.” “My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination,” Mr. Walz said, paying tribute to Ms. Hortman as a “formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota” who “woke up every day determined to make this state a better place.”
A search of the suspect’s car revealed a manifesto containing other potential political targets. US President Donald Trump, who has been briefed on the attack, condemned the violence, stating, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place.” The FBI, led by Deputy Director Dan Bongino, is working closely with local authorities to investigate the incident.
Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged to prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law. “I am closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners. This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
As the investigation continues, a shelter-in-place order remains in effect in the Brooklyn Park area, where the attacks occurred. The community is in shock, and authorities urge residents to remain vigilant while the manhunt is underway.