Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband Killed in Apparent Political Attack
Melissa Hortman and her spouse were fatally shot in Brooklyn Park, while Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and his wife were severely injured in a separate attack.
In a tragic incident early Saturday morning, Melissa Hortman, a representative in the Minnesota House, and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park, shortly after 2 a.m. The attack is being described by authorities as politically motivated.
Prior to the assault on the Hortmans, the assailant targeted Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Iveta, at their residence in Champlin, approximately eight kilometers away.
Following the attack on the Hortmans, emergency services arrived at their residence, where they later found Mark Hortman alive but critically injured; he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical assistance.
Melissa Hortman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Hoffmans were transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
President Donald Trump reacted to the shootings, stating, "I have been informed of the horrific shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack on state lawmakers." He emphasized that such violence would not be tolerated in the United States.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the events as a "devastating tragedy," echoing sentiments that the incidents seem to reflect a politically motivated assault.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Brule provided further details regarding the investigation, noting that the suspected shooter remains at large, despite earlier contact with law enforcement during the unfolding events.
Officers were initially responding to the scene involving the Hoffmans when they observed a vehicle equipped with lights akin to a police SUV parked at the Hortman residence.
Chief Brule highlighted that the suspect posed as a police officer, wearing a badge and police attire to gain access.
As officers approached, the suspect opened fire on them, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire before retreating into the house.
The suspect, described as a white male with brown hair, was last seen wearing a black bulletproof vest, blue shirt, and blue pants.
Police issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the Edinburg golf course, adjacent to the Hortman residence.
Investigators are actively searching for the gunman, emphasizing that he is armed and dangerous, posing a significant threat to the community.
Prior to the assault on the Hortmans, the assailant targeted Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Iveta, at their residence in Champlin, approximately eight kilometers away.
Following the attack on the Hortmans, emergency services arrived at their residence, where they later found Mark Hortman alive but critically injured; he succumbed to his injuries while receiving medical assistance.
Melissa Hortman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Hoffmans were transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
President Donald Trump reacted to the shootings, stating, "I have been informed of the horrific shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack on state lawmakers." He emphasized that such violence would not be tolerated in the United States.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the events as a "devastating tragedy," echoing sentiments that the incidents seem to reflect a politically motivated assault.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Brule provided further details regarding the investigation, noting that the suspected shooter remains at large, despite earlier contact with law enforcement during the unfolding events.
Officers were initially responding to the scene involving the Hoffmans when they observed a vehicle equipped with lights akin to a police SUV parked at the Hortman residence.
Chief Brule highlighted that the suspect posed as a police officer, wearing a badge and police attire to gain access.
As officers approached, the suspect opened fire on them, leading to a brief exchange of gunfire before retreating into the house.
The suspect, described as a white male with brown hair, was last seen wearing a black bulletproof vest, blue shirt, and blue pants.
Police issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the Edinburg golf course, adjacent to the Hortman residence.
Investigators are actively searching for the gunman, emphasizing that he is armed and dangerous, posing a significant threat to the community.
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