Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman Killed in Political Attack; State Sen. John Hoffman Injured
Minnesota is reeling after a shocking act of political violence left one lawmaker dead and another critically wounded.
State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed early Saturday in what Governor Tim Walz called a “politically-motivated assassination.” Just miles away, State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also gunned down in their home and rushed into surgery. Both are expected to survive.
Authorities say the gunman posed as a police officer, wearing a badge, vest, and carrying a Taser and other law enforcement-style gear. The attacks took place in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, two suburbs just north of Minneapolis.
According to Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, police responded to the Hoffman home at around 2 a.m. after the shooting occurred. As officers made their way to check on Hortman, they encountered the suspect at her home just after 3:30 a.m., exiting the house in police-like attire. A gunfight followed, but the suspect managed to flee on foot.
A vehicle resembling a police cruiser—complete with flashing lights—was found at Hortman’s home. Inside was a list of political targets, including both Hortman and Hoffman, along with other prominent Minnesota Democrats like Gov. Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Investigators are exploring whether the attacker was driven by extremist beliefs, potentially related to abortion.
“This horrific violence will not be tolerated,” said President Donald Trump in a statement through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed the sentiment, promising prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
The Capitol Police have increased security for officials on the target list and are working with other agencies to locate the gunman. A shelter-in-place order remains in effect in Brooklyn Park. Residents have been advised not to open their doors for anyone claiming to be law enforcement unless verified by a 911 dispatcher.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson condemned the violence, as did Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his close friend, Hortman.
“She was someone I personally relied on for advice, counsel, and friendship… the very best Speaker of the House that Minnesota has ever had,” Martin said. “If this murderer thinks we will be silenced, he’s wrong.”
Governor Walz has urged Minnesotans to avoid political events until the suspect is found. The investigation remains ongoing.
