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Minnesota Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically killed in a shooting early Saturday morning (June 14) at their home in Brooklyn Park. Governor Tim Walz described the incident as a "politically motivated assassination." In a separate but related attack, Democratic State Senator Jeff Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times at their Champlin residence. Both are out of surgery and expected to survive, according to Governor Walz.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension reported that police exchanged gunfire with a suspect at one of the crime scenes. The suspect, who remains at large, was impersonating a police officer. Authorities discovered a manifesto listing targeted lawmakers, which included the victims.
Governor Walz expressed his condolences, stating, "Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the state of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service." Hortman served as House Speaker from 2019 to 2025 and is survived by her two children.
A massive manhunt is underway for the suspect, with a shelter-in-place order affecting thousands in the surrounding area. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the suspect, who is believed to be on foot.
In response to the shootings, all Minnesota state lawmakers are under protective custody. This tragic event has prompted widespread condemnation and calls for prayers for the victims and law enforcement personnel involved in the ongoing investigation.