Tragedy struck in Minnesota when State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed in what has been described as a politically motivated attack early Saturday morning. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the violence, stating it appeared to be a targeted assassination.
In a related incident, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot but survived and are recovering after undergoing surgery. Both legislators are members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, and the assault has raised concerns about the safety of public officials.
The perpetrator remains at large, prompting a significant manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley reported that several individuals have been detained for questioning, but no one has been arrested yet.
The first call for police assistance occurred around 2am, with reports indicating shots fired at the Hoffman residence. Upon arrival, officers initiated life-saving procedures before transporting the couple to a hospital. Complications arose when officers later noticed a police vehicle outside Hortman’s home, whereupon they were fired upon during a tense encounter with the suspect, who managed to escape.
Authorities describe the suspect as a male wearing tactical gear resembling that of a police officer and emphasise the importance of community vigilance. Residents have been urged to verify any police presence by calling 911 before opening their doors.
Governor Walz has activated the State Emergency Operations Centre to bolster the ongoing investigation, with a focus on ensuring community safety. A shelter-in-place order was issued for the area surrounding Edinburgh Golf Course as law enforcement continues to search for the assailant.
Senator Amy Klobuchar and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a gun violence prevention advocate, have both expressed outrage and sorrow over the violence directed at elected officials, calling for immediate action against the extremism that threatens democracy.
As the investigation unfolds, the community remains on alert, and officials are monitoring the situation closely, promising to provide updates as they become available.