Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John Hoffman wounded in ‘targeted political violence’
A tragic incident unfolded in Minnesota as a state representative and her husband were shot and killed, while a state senator and his wife were injured in what Governor Tim Walz described as an “act of targeted political violence.” The assailant, who was posing as a police officer, is currently being pursued by law enforcement.
State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat and former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, was one of the victims of this heinous crime. Governor Walz expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his friend and praised her as a dedicated public servant. State Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were wounded in the attack and are undergoing treatment, with hopeful prospects for recovery.
The shootings took place in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, suburbs north of Minneapolis, with Hoffman and his wife being shot in Champlin around 2 a.m. Law enforcement officers, responding to the incident, encountered the suspect at Hortman’s residence later that morning. The suspect, dressed as a police officer, engaged in a firefight with the officers before managing to escape on foot.
Authorities discovered a list of potential targets in the suspect’s vehicle, including several other Democratic officials from Minnesota such as Governor Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. There are indications that the suspect may have been motivated by extreme views on abortion, prompting heightened security measures for those named on the list.
President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi have condemned the violence, vowing to prosecute the perpetrator to the fullest extent of the law. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin have also denounced the senseless act and called for unity in the face of political extremism.
As the manhunt continues, residents are advised to exercise caution, with Brooklyn Park under a shelter-in-place order. Authorities urge individuals to verify the identity of any officer before opening their doors and recommend avoiding political gatherings until the suspect is apprehended.
This remains a developing story, with ongoing updates expected as the investigation progresses. Contributions from ABC News’ Luke Barr, Mike Levine, and Katherine Faulders have been instrumental in providing information on this tragic event.
