In a deeply unsettling development, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband have been shot dead in what authorities are calling a “targeted act of political violence.” The tragic incident occurred at their residence and was confirmed by Governor Tim Walz, who emphasized the deliberate and politically motivated nature of the attack.
“This was not random,” Governor Walz stated. “It was a targeted act of political violence that has shaken the foundation of our community.”
In a connected attack, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times in their home. Both are currently recovering from emergency surgeries. Governor Walz expressed cautious optimism regarding their recovery, stating, “This was nothing short of an assassination attempt... those responsible will be held accountable.”
Law enforcement agencies at both the state and federal levels, including the FBI, are now engaged in a large-scale investigation. Authorities believe the attacks were highly coordinated and meticulously planned.
According to State Police Chief Mark Bruley, responding officers at the Hoffman residence later went to check on Hortman’s home. There, they encountered a suspect impersonating a police officer—wearing a vest, badge, and taser, and driving what appeared to be an official SUV patrol vehicle. When approached, the suspect opened fire and then barricaded himself inside the house.
“No doubt if they were in this room, you would assume they were a police officer,” Bruley noted.
A massive manhunt is currently underway, involving SWAT teams and hundreds of officers. The city of Brooklyn Park is under a shelter-in-place advisory, affecting thousands of residents. While several individuals have been detained for questioning, no formal arrests have been made at this time.
President Donald Trump, through White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, addressed the nation, confirming that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are leading the federal investigation.
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” President Trump declared. “God bless the great people of Minnesota; it is a truly great place.” He assured the public that the perpetrators “will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The shocking twin shootings have raised national concerns over political safety and the growing threat of domestic extremism in the United States.
