Minneapolis, MN – The state of Minnesota is reeling today after a series of shocking, targeted shootings early Saturday morning left one state lawmaker and her husband dead, and another state senator and his wife wounded. Authorities have launched a massive manhunt for a suspect who is believed to have impersonated a police officer to gain access to the victims’ homes, sparking widespread alarm and a renewed focus on the safety of public officials.
The victims have been identified as State Representative Melissa Hortman, a former House Speaker, and her husband, Mark, who were tragically killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. In a separate, but seemingly connected, incident just miles away in Champlin, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded. Both Hoffman and his wife are reportedly recovering from surgery, with officials cautiously optimistic about their condition.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has described the attacks as “a politically motivated assassination” and an “unspeakable tragedy,” activating the State Emergency Operations Center to provide full support to local law enforcement agencies, including the Brooklyn Park Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.
Details emerging from the ongoing investigation indicate that the suspect gained entry to the lawmakers’ residences by posing as a police officer. This alarming tactic has prompted a critical warning from Brooklyn Park Police: residents in the affected areas are urged not to answer their doors unless two officers are present, and to call 911 to verify officer identity if there is any doubt.
The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair, last seen wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. He is considered armed and dangerous and remains at large. Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect at the Hortman residence before he fled the scene. A shelter-in-place order has been issued for a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park as the manhunt intensifies.
While the motive behind these horrific attacks is still under investigation, early statements from authorities suggest a political motivation. This incident underscores a growing concern about heightened political tensions and increasing threats against elected officials across the United States.
The political community in Minnesota and beyond has expressed profound shock and grief. Leaders from both sides of the aisle have condemned the violence, emphasizing that such attacks undermine the very foundations of democracy. Former US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, issued a strong statement, expressing her horror and heartbreak.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately to 911. The full resources of the state are being deployed to apprehend the suspect and ensure justice for the victims and their families. This developing story highlights the critical need for continued vigilance and robust security measures to protect public servants in an increasingly volatile political climate.
