One Democratic state lawmaker and her husband are dead, after two state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes in the north west suburbs of Minneapolis, Gov. Tim Walz confirmed.
State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were shot and killed, Walz said Saturday, adding it “appears to be a politically motivated assasination.” Hortman previously served as Minnesota’s state House Speaker.
State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times and underwent surgery for the injuries they sustained. Walz said officials are “cautiously optimistic” Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, will “survive this assination attempt.”
“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends,” Walz said of Hortman.
“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Walz continued. “Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”
Police said they encountered the suspect in Hortman’s home wearing a police uniform. The suspect escaped on foot during an exchange of gunfire with police. There is a manhunt underway for the gunman, who was “clearly impersonating a police officer,” Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.
Minnesota Commissioner of Public Safety Bob Jacobson said the state has put in place increased security for elected officials and those who may be in danger. When officers did a search of the suspect’s vehicle they found a “manifesto” that identified “many lawmakers and other officials,” Bruley.
Bruley said residents of Brooklyn Park should be advised that police are working in pairs of two or more, and that no officer should be approaching a home alone. The officials advised residents to call 911 if a police officer comes to the door of their home.
President Donald Trump said he has been “briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” in a statement.
“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. 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 statement read.
Minnesota Sens. Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar both responded to the shootings Saturday morning on X.
“Melissa was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and were always there for each other,” Klobuchar posted. “She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. Melissa’s legacy will endure, but today we grieve deeply. John’s and my prayers are with their children, their loved ones, and all who are mourning this devastating loss.”
Smith called the shootings “a brutal act of violence,” and said she had “worked closely” with both Hortman and Hoffman over the years.
Republican House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, who is also a member of the Minnesota congressional delegation, also put out a statement responding to the attacks.
“No public official — or any American — should fear for their safety in their own home, and we condemn this despicable act of political violence,” Emmer said. “We thank law enforcement for their swift response, and we will continue to monitor the situation. Justice must be served for the attacker still at large.”
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Tara Golshan is a senior editor at NOTUS.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated with additional reporting.