MINNEAPOLIS, MN – A dark cloud has fallen over Minnesota as the state grapples with an unprecedented act of “targeted political violence” that has left one prominent lawmaker dead and another seriously wounded. State Representative Melissa Hortman, a former Speaker of the Minnesota House and a formidable Democratic leader, was tragically killed along with her husband in their Brooklyn Park home. Hours earlier, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and injured at their residence in Champlin.
The shocking incidents, which unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, 2025, have sent shockwaves through the political landscape and the wider community. Governor Tim Walz, in a somber press conference, decried the attacks as “politically motivated assassinations” and vowed that those responsible would be held accountable.
A Night of Horror and Impersonation
Details emerging from the ongoing investigation paint a chilling picture. Authorities believe the assailant, who remains at large and is the subject of an intensive statewide manhunt, impersonated a law enforcement officer to gain entry into the lawmakers’ homes. This calculated deception underscores the malicious and targeted nature of the attacks.
Police were first called to Senator Hoffman’s home in Champlin around 2:00 AM local time, where they found Hoffman and his wife with gunshot wounds. They were transported to a hospital and underwent surgery, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism for their recovery.
Shortly after, Brooklyn Park police, alerted to the Champlin shooting and recognizing a potential pattern, proactively responded to Representative Hortman’s home. There, they encountered an individual dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform, driving a vehicle resembling a squad car. A confrontation ensued, with an exchange of gunfire, before the suspect retreated into the Hortman residence and then fled. Inside, officers discovered Representative Hortman and her husband fatally shot.
The Victims: Dedicated Public Servants
Melissa Hortman, 55, was a highly respected figure in Minnesota politics. First elected to the House in 2004, she served as the House DFL leader and was a former Speaker of the House. Known for her grace, compassion, and sharp intellect, she was a lawyer by profession and leaves behind two children. Governor Walz described her as “a formidable public servant. A fixture and a giant in Minnesota,” whose death was a “political assassination.”
State Senator John Hoffman, 60, has represented Minnesota Senate District 34 since his first election in 2012. He has been a dedicated advocate, particularly on issues related to disability services and the needs of children and families. He currently chairs the Human Services Committee. He and his wife, Yvette, were both shot multiple times but are recovering.
A Nation Grapples with Political Violence
These attacks come at a time of heightened political polarization and increased threats against elected officials across the United States. The use of violence to settle political differences has been strongly condemned by leaders from both sides of the aisle. President Donald Trump has also weighed in, stating that the FBI is assisting in the investigation and promising that perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, founded by former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a similar targeted shooting, issued a statement condemning the attacks, emphasizing that “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.”
As law enforcement continues its urgent search for the suspect, Minnesota, and indeed the nation, is left to mourn a profound loss and confront the chilling reality of targeted political violence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of peaceful discourse and the fragility of democratic institutions in the face of extremism. Increased security measures for elected officials are being implemented as the investigation continues to unfold.
