MINNEAPOLIS, — A chilling wave of politically targeted violence swept across Minnesota early Saturday as two separate shootings left one state lawmaker and her husband dead, and another legislator and his wife critically wounded. Authorities have confirmed the attacks were premeditated and aimed directly at elected officials.
Representative Melissa Hortman, a long-serving Democrat and former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was found shot dead alongside her husband, Mark Hortman, inside their Brooklyn Park residence around 3:30 a.m. Emergency responders confirmed both were killed at the scene.
Earlier that night, around 2:00 a.m., State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were ambushed at their home in Champlin. The couple sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed into emergency surgery. Hospital sources say they remain in serious but stable condition.
Officials say the attacker impersonated a law enforcement officer—wearing tactical gear and driving a vehicle with police-style lights. “This individual used deception to gain entry and commit these acts,” said Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson in a press briefing.
Investigators later uncovered a written manifesto and a list of targeted Minnesota legislators in the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, suggesting a politically driven motive behind the attacks. While police exchanged gunfire with the suspect outside the Hortman residence, the assailant managed to escape and remains at large.
A statewide manhunt is now underway, involving local police, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and federal agencies including the FBI. A shelter-in-place order remains active in parts of Brooklyn Park, and officials have urged the public not to engage with anyone impersonating law enforcement.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the attacks as “an outrageous act of political violence,” adding that “Minnesota will not be intimidated by those who seek to undermine democracy through terror.” Security has been increased for all legislators whose names were found on the suspect’s list.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement is appealing for public assistance and reviewing surveillance footage. No arrests have been made so far.
