MINNESOTA – A wave of shock and grief has swept across Minnesota following a series of horrifying and seemingly politically motivated shootings that left one state lawmaker and her husband dead, and another lawmaker and his wife wounded. Governor Tim Walz has described the incidents as “targeted political violence,” sending a chilling message about the escalating tensions in the nation’s political landscape.
Early Saturday morning, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home. In a separate, but seemingly connected attack just miles away in Champlin, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times. While the Hoffmans are reportedly out of surgery and recovering, the loss of Representative Hortman and her husband is an immeasurable blow to the state.
Authorities are actively searching for a suspect who, disturbingly, is believed to have impersonated a police officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed that the suspect was dressed like a uniformed officer and operating a vehicle that “looked exactly like an SUV squad car. It was equipped with lights, emergency lights and looked exactly like a police vehicle.” The suspect reportedly exchanged gunfire with police at the Hortman residence before fleeing the scene.
Governor Walz, visibly shaken, addressed the public, calling the deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman an “unspeakable tragedy” and a “politically motivated assassination.” He emphasized the need for unity against all forms of political violence. Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson condemned the suspect for exploiting the trust associated with law enforcement uniforms, calling it “deeply disturbing.”
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent, Drew Evans, revealed that authorities recovered “a list of individuals, and the individuals that were targeted in this situation were on that list,” though the identities of others on the list have not been disclosed. This revelation has heightened concerns for the safety of other elected officials. Increased security measures have reportedly been put in place for at-risk individuals.
The shootings have drawn widespread condemnation from across the political spectrum. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, expressed her heartbreak and called the attack “evil,” urging Minnesotans to pray for the victims and law enforcement. President Donald Trump, in a White House statement, announced that the FBI would join the investigation, vowing that such “horrific violence will not be tolerated.”
This tragic event comes at a time when political leaders nationwide have faced increasing attacks, harassment, and intimidation amidst deep political divisions. Organizations like GIFFORDS, a national gun violence prevention group led by former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who herself survived a targeted shooting in 2011, have spoken out strongly. Giffords stated, “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.”
A “shelter in place” order was issued for a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park as the manhunt for the suspect continues. Residents have been urged to remain indoors and to call 911 if they have any information or believe they see the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation is in its early stages, and authorities have not yet confirmed a motive for the attacks beyond the apparent political targeting. The state of Minnesota, and indeed the entire nation, watches with bated breath as law enforcement works tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator and bring justice to the victims and their families. This horrific act serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic discourse and the urgent need to address the rising tide of political extremism.
