This official handout picture dated January 8, 2019 obtained from the Minnesota State Legislature on June 14, 2025 shows Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman. A gunman shot two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota early on June 14, 2025, killing Hortman and her husband and wounding the other, Senator John Hoffman, in what the northern US state's governor said were "politically motivated" attacks. The shootings came at a moment of deep political divisions in the United States, as thousands prepared to take to the streets in protest at the policies of Republican President Donald Trump. The suspected assailant was still at large, officials said, with a massive manhunt underway. (Photo by Paul Battaglia / Minnesota State Legislature / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / PAUL BATTAGLIA / MINNESOTA STATE LEGISLATURE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
A Minnesota Democratic state legislator, Melissa Hortman, and her husband were fatally shot on Saturday in what authorities are labeling a "targeted political attack," according to AFP.
The shooting took place at the couple’s residence and has triggered a large-scale investigation involving both state and federal agencies.
Governor Tim Walz confirmed their deaths and condemned the incident as a calculated act of political violence.
In a related case, the governor revealed that another couple, the Hoffmans, were also shot multiple times. He stated they had undergone surgery and expressed cautious optimism about their recovery, describing the assault as a politically motivated assassination attempt.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley recounted how officers responded to the Hoffman residence before proceeding to the Hortman home. At Hortman’s location, they encountered a suspect dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform — including a badge, vest, and taser — who opened fire on the responding officers before retreating inside.
Bruley emphasized that the impersonator’s appearance was convincing enough to be mistaken for a real officer. An intense manhunt is currently underway, involving hundreds of officers and SWAT units. Authorities have asked residents in the Brooklyn Park area to remain indoors. Several people are being questioned, but no arrests have yet been made.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump addressed the situation in a statement posted by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X (formerly Twitter). He confirmed being briefed on the "horrific shooting," describing it as an apparent attack on state lawmakers.
Trump added that the FBI and Attorney General Pam Bondi are leading the investigation. His statement concluded: “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God bless the great people of Minnesota — it is a truly great place.”
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