Tragic Shooting in Minnesota: Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman Killed in Politically Motivated Attack📰
Governor Walz Confirms Political Assassination🕊️
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. A second state lawmaker and his wife were also shot and wounded. Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for the suspect, who remains at large.
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the nation, stand united against all forms of political violence,” Governor Walz said during a press conference on Saturday. “Those responsible for this heinous act will be brought to justice.”
🇺🇸 President Trump and Leaders Condemn the Attack
President Donald Trump condemned what he called a “terrible shooting” targeting elected officials. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack “evil” and said she was “heartbroken beyond words” over the deaths of Hortman and her husband, Mark.
“With the law enforcement response still ongoing and details continuing to emerge, I ask all Minnesotans to lift up the victims and their families in prayer, as well as the officers working tirelessly to apprehend the perpetrator,” Demuth said in a statement.
Victims Identified🗂️
The injured lawmaker has been identified as state Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat who has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2012. Hoffman, who previously served as vice chair of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board, is married and has a daughter.
Melissa Hortman, who was first elected to the Minnesota House in 2004, served as the House Speaker and was a prominent Democratic leader in the Legislature.
Manhunt Underway🚨
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed that autopsies are underway, but initial findings indicate that Hortman and her husband died of gunshot wounds. A “shelter in place” order remained in effect early Saturday as the manhunt continued.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson revealed that the suspect posed as a law enforcement officer to gain access to the victims.
“The suspect exploited the public trust in our uniforms — a betrayal that cuts deeply for those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” Jacobson said.
Suspect Disguised as Police Officer🚓
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley stated that the suspect fled through the back of Hortman’s residence following a gunfire exchange with responding officers. According to Bruley, the suspect was dressed in a police uniform and driving a vehicle that closely resembled a squad SUV, complete with emergency lights.
The FBI has joined the investigation, according to a statement from Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Nation Reacts: GIFFORDS Statement🕯️
GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization founded by former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, released a statement in response.
“My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well,” Giffords said. “An attack on elected officials is an attack on American democracy itself. We must stand together and speak out against the dangerous extremism that threatens the values our country holds dear.”
Giffords survived a 2011 assassination attempt in Arizona that killed six people and wounded 12 others. She resigned from Congress in 2012 to focus on her recovery and has since become a leading advocate for gun safety.
Stay Safe and Vigilant🙏
This tragic event comes amid heightened threats and violence directed at political leaders nationwide, reflecting deepening political divides. Law enforcement urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the search for the suspect continues.
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