A politically motivated series of shootings shocked Minnesota early Saturday, leaving prominent state officials and their families targeted in their homes.
According to Breitbart, State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot, and Senator John Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured in separate attacks police say were carried out by an armed suspect impersonating a law enforcement officer.
The first shooting occurred early Saturday morning, June 14, when Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were ambushed in their home. Both sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed into surgery. Their condition is now considered stable, and doctors are cautiously optimistic about their recovery.
Roughly 90 minutes later, another violent intrusion took place at the residence of Melissa Hortman, Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Authorities say both Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed during the assault. Law enforcement had arrived at their home for a safety check, during which the suspect opened fire on officers before escaping the scene.
Suspect Believed To Be Impersonating Law Enforcement
The assailant, who remains unidentified and at large, was reportedly wearing a police uniform and is suspected of posing as an officer to gain entry into the victims' homes. Officials emphasized that this was not a real officer, but someone abusing the appearance and symbolism of the badge.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley underscored the severity of the impersonation: “This was a person who was clearly impersonating a police officer wearing the trust of this badge to manipulate their way into the home.” The shooter’s vehicle, a black SUV made to look like a police cruiser, was later found abandoned. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities discovered anti-government literature, including flyers for planned “No Kings” anti-Trump protests scheduled across Minnesota. Officers also recovered a manifesto listing intended targets, many of whom are elected officials.
State Officials Respond To The Tragedy
Governor Tim Walz addressed the public not long after the attacks unfolded, calling the events both heartbreaking and unprecedented. Referring to the late Speaker Hortman, Walz said, “She was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service.”
The governor praised Hortman’s leadership, describing her as “a fixture and a giant in Minnesota,” and saying she was “irreplaceable and will be missed by so many.” He also expressed personal grief, calling her and her husband, Mark, close friends. Turning to the Hoffmans’ situation, Walz expressed hope for their recovery, stating, “We are cautiously optimistic that they will survive this assassination attempt.” He added, “Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”
Heightened Security And Canceled Demonstrations
In response to the discovery of the manifesto, law enforcement immediately contacted individuals named in the threats and began providing additional protective measures. Police acknowledged that they are working with federal partners to expand the manhunt and assess the risk to other potential targets.
Chief Bruley confirmed that several alerts were issued across the state and assured the public that steps had been taken to locate the suspect and prevent further violence. He noted that the manifesto seemed to confirm that the attacks were ideologically driven, with lawmakers named directly. Following these developments, the Minnesota State Patrol issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid the statewide "No Kings" protests planned for the same day. Officials cited safety concerns in light of the targeted shootings of politicians and the presence of related protest materials in the suspect’s vehicle.
Partisan Tensions Cast Long Shadow Over Attacks
Although no political group has been officially associated with the suspect, the terminology found in the manifesto and the planned anti-Trump protest fliers heightened concerns about rising political extremism. Authorities remain cautious in characterizing the attacks as part of a broader movement until more is known.
As of Sunday evening, the suspect is still at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, but caution against approaching the individual. Residents across the state remain on edge as investigators work to piece together the motive and background of the suspect. In the meantime, both parties have temporarily suspended non-essential political activities in solidarity with the victims.
Community And Statewide Mourning Continue
The loss of Speaker Hortman has sent waves of grief across Minnesota's political landscape. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, constituents, and national political leaders who worked with her throughout her career. Hortman has served in the Minnesota House since 2005 and was widely regarded as an influential voice in statewide policy. Her sudden death has created a void in legislative leadership as well as among her personal and professional circles.
Funeral arrangements for Hortman and her husband, Mark, are still pending, as the state continues to grapple with the shock of the events. A bipartisan vigil is expected to be held at the Capitol later this week to honor the victims and call for unity in the face of political violence.
