A Minnesota lawmaker was killed and another was shot early Saturday in what authorities believe were targeted attacks at the homes of the Democratic state officials.
Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed after a gunman impersonating a police officer showed up at her Brooklyn Park home, Governor Tim Walz revealed during a press briefing.
‘We’re here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded,’ Walz said, adding, ‘State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was assassinated, and her husband Mark was also killed.’
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times while in their Champlin home. Both are now out of surgery, but remain in critical condition, Walz said.
A frantic search, aided by the FBI, has ensued as authorities believe there may have been two suspects involved in the early morning shootings.
One suspect is in police custody following an officer-involved shooting in Brooklyn Park, according to Fox9, while the other suspected shooter remains at large.
The first shooting occurred shortly after 2 am at Hoffman’s residence in Champlin – 20 miles from Minneapolis. A man and a woman were shot multiple times and their conditions are unknown, KSTP reported.
Hoffman has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013.
The second incident took place eight miles south at a home in Brooklyn Park, reportedly belonging to Hortman, who has served in the position since January 2023, near the Edinburgh Golf Course.
One man was shot multiple times, however his condition is also unknown, The Sun reported.
Authorities believe the two incidents are connected and involve a suspect posing as law enforcement.
Governor Tim Walz has since addressed the situation on social media, condemning the ‘targeted attacks,’ and adding that he is activating the State Emergency Operations Center as police launch an urgent manhunt.
‘I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park,’ Walz wrote on X.
‘I’ve activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.
‘We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon,’ the Governor wrote.
Police described the suspect as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.
Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place order around 5:30 am, later expanding it to a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course.
Another emergency alert was issued around 7 am, advising residents to only open their doors if two officers are present and to call 911 to verify any officer’s identity.
‘Police are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous,’ the alert stated. ‘Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement.’
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that an investigation is underway and Brooklyn Park is the lead agency.
Authorities yet to confirm whether the lawmakers were the intended targets or if the attacks were politically motivated.
Meanwhile, other Minnesota state officials have taken to social media to share their reactions and updates about the ongoing incident.
‘I’m just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we’d be here,’ Mounds View Mayor, Zach Lindstrom wrote on X.
‘I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok.’
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote on X: ‘This is a stunning act of violence. I’m thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service.’
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, now the head of national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, said in a statement on Saturday that she is ‘horrified and heartbroken by last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants.’
‘My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. 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,’ Giffords, who was one of 13 people wounded in an Arizona supermarket parking lot in 2011, added.