A representative of the State of Minnesota alongside her husband were shot and killed, and a state senator and his wife were shot and wounded in an “act of targeted political violence” at their homes early Saturday, Tim Walz, Minnesota Governor, revealed.
A search is now ongoing for the gunman who was impersonating a police officer, authorities said.
Melissa Hortman, State Representative, under the Democratic Party, and her husband were shot and killed in what looks like a “politically-motivated assassination,” Walz said at a news conference.
Governor Walz said of his friend, “She was a formidable public servant. She is irreplaceable.”
John Hoffman, State Senator, under the Democratic Party, and his wife were both shot multiple times and underwent surgery, the governor said.
Walz said,”We’re cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.”
Both shooting locations are a few miles away from each other in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, just north of Minneapolis.
According to the Police, officers found a person who was dressed as a police officer — wearing a vest and a badge, as well as, a Taser and other equipment — at the door, coming out of Hortman’s house.
Authorities said, the suspect opened fire at the officers; gunfire was exchanged and the suspect managed to escape and flee on foot.
The vehicle of the suspect, which looked like a police vehicle, including police lights — was in Hortman’s driveway, authorities said.
A list of other possible targets was found in the suspect’s vehicle, authorities said. Police said the list had “many lawmakers,” encompassing the victims.
Authorities said, security resources have been dispatched to protect those people whose names are on the list.
Photo: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks at a press conference about the shooting of two state lawmakers, on June 14, 2025. Minnesota Department of Public Safety
