A tragic and politically motivated attack has claimed the lives of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in an early morning shooting that has shocked the state and the nation. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also critically injured in a separate but connected incident just hours earlier.
According to law enforcement officials, both incidents were carried out by a suspect impersonating a police officer, dressed in full tactical gear and driving a vehicle outfitted to resemble a law enforcement SUV. The attacks occurred in the suburban Twin Cities areas of Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
Police reports indicate that the assailant first targeted Senator Hoffman’s residence shortly after 2:00 a.m. local time, where both Hoffman and his wife sustained gunshot wounds. Around 3:30 a.m., police responded to gunfire at Representative Hortman’s home, where they engaged with the suspect before he fled the scene. Representative Hortman and her husband were pronounced dead at the scene.
A manifesto and a list of political targets were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, leading authorities to classify the shootings as acts of domestic terrorism driven by political ideology. Federal and state agencies, including the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, are actively investigating.
“This is a heartbreaking day for Minnesota and for our democracy,” said Governor Tim Walz at a press briefing. “Melissa Hortman was a tireless public servant and a respected leader. These attacks are nothing short of political violence, and we will not rest until the perpetrator is brought to justice.”
Representative Hortman, 55, previously served as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and was widely recognized for her leadership, integrity, and commitment to bipartisanship. Her death, and the critical injuries to Senator Hoffman and his wife, have led to increased security protocols for elected officials across the state.
President Donald Trump issued a statement condemning the attacks and pledged federal resources to aid in the investigation. “We must stand united in the face of extremism. This kind of violence has no place in our country.”