A shocking incident occurred in Minnesota early Saturday morning, as a state lawmaker and her husband were tragically shot and killed in their home. Governor Tim Walz condemned the incident as an act of targeted political violence. The victims were House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, aged 55, a prominent Democrat, and her husband, who were found deceased in Brooklyn Park, a city situated near Minneapolis.
In a related incident, State Senator John Hoffman, 60, also a Democrat, and his wife were targeted at their residence in nearby Champlin. Reports indicate that both were shot multiple times; however, they have since undergone surgery and are recovering, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism regarding their survival.
A manhunt is currently underway for a suspect believed to have impersonated a police officer during these violent acts. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley reported that the suspect used a fake police badge and uniform to gain entry into the lawmakers' homes. Furthermore, the suspect was driving a vehicle resembling a police car, complete with emergency lights, to carry out his intentions.
According to Minnesota Superintendent Drew Evans, police received a call at 2:00 AM local time concerning the shooting involving Senator Hoffman and his wife. A follow-up call was made to authorities at 3:35 AM, prompting officers to check on Melissa Hortman. During this check, police exchanged gunfire with the suspect at Hortman's residence, but he managed to escape the scene.
Chief Bruley stated that law enforcement is currently engaged in an extensive manhunt, collaborating with the FBI, SWAT teams, and hundreds of police officers. Authorities have recovered the suspect's vehicle and believe he may be traveling on foot. The Champlin Police Department has confirmed that the suspect or suspects remain at large, although they have noted there is currently no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.
In light of these events, authorities are advising residents in the area to refrain from answering their doors for police officers unless two officers are present. Additionally, the Brooklyn Park Police Department has issued a shelter-in-place order for a three-mile (4.8 km) radius surrounding Edinburgh Golf Course.
In a statement regarding the shootings, President Donald Trump expressed his outrage, stating that such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States, and assured that those responsible would face prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. Bob Jacobson, the state's commissioner of public safety, described the targeting of public servants as a "violent and cowardly" act, emphasizing the disturbing nature of a suspect exploiting the trust associated with law enforcement uniforms.
Mayor Zach Lindstrom of Mounds View remarked that elected officials had been alerted to the safety concerns following the incident. In response to the ongoing threat, Governor Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center, a facility utilized for managing disasters and emergencies, to ensure the safety of all involved.
Governor Walz expressed his deep sorrow, stating that Minnesota had lost a great leader and that he had lost a cherished friend. He hailed Melissa Hortman as a formidable public servant and a giant in the state, noting her unwavering commitment to improving Minnesota. "We don’t settle our differences with violence or gunpoint in the state of Minnesota," Walz asserted, reinforcing the community's resilience in the face of this tragedy.
