Minnesota Lawmakers Killed, Injured in ‘Politically Motivated Assassination’

A man pretending to be law enforcement shot two politicians and their spouses overnight in the Minnesota suburbs, killing one couple and injuring the other. The shootings appeared to be “politically motivated” assassinations, Gov. Tim Walz said.

During the early morning of Saturday, June 14, Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman were shot in the attacks in their homes in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, respectively, according to FOX 9 and local NBC affiliate KARE 11,

Hortman and her husband were killed in the attack, Walz later announced in a press conference.

“We’re here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded today in Minnesota,” the governor, 61, began. “My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, were shot and killed earlier this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination.” 

Hoffman and his wife survived the overnight shooting, and as of mid-morning on June 14, are “out of surgery” and “receiving care,” Walz said,

“We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” the governor continued, adding that “this was an act of targeted political violence.”

Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and police were alerted to the initial attack at around 2 a.m. local time, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said in the June 14 press conference.

Police officers then “proactively” checked on Hortman, at which time they encountered the suspect, who “immediately” fired at them, according to Evans.

“They exchanged gunfire and then the individual was able to escape during that exchange of gunfire at the residence,” Evans said.

Brooklyn Park issued a shelter in place order while searching for the suspect, who was representing himself as law enforcement, KARE 11 reported. He was described as a white male with brown hair, who was wearing a blue shirt, blue pants and black body armor.

The shooter has not yet been apprehended, but federal, state and local law enforcement agencies are all “actively engaged in a manhunt for” him, according to Evans.

Residents of the area are being encouraged to report “anything suspicious, especially involving individuals impersonating law enforcement” and should contact police immediately, according to Bob Jacobson, commissioner for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

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During the June 14 press conference, Walz also shared a few words about his late colleague.

“Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service,” the governor said. “She was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many.”

“Minnesota’s thoughts and prayers are with her family, her loved ones, her children and her parents,” he added.

“We’re collaborating with all local, state and federal agencies on a full investigation,” Walz said later in the conference. “We’re committed to keeping Minnesotans informed as the situation continues. I assure you that those responsible for this will be held accountable, and each and every one of us are committed to making sure that a tragedy like this never repeats itself in Minnesota or across this country.”