2025-06-14 14:35:00
Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Dawn Shootings
A Minnesota state representative and her husband are dead, and a state senator and his wife are recovering after a series of shootings authorities believe were politically motivated.
- Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed.
- State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot but are alive after surgery.
- Authorities are searching for a suspect who is still at large.
What happened in Minnesota on Saturday? Early Saturday morning, a wave of violence struck Minnesota, leaving one state representative and her husband dead and a state senator and his wife injured in what officials suspect was a targeted attack with political motives.
The first call came in around 2:00 am local time Saturday, reporting that someone had shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Police arrived at their home and provided first aid before the couple was taken to the hospital, according to Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Criminal Detention Office. Hoffman and his wife have since left the operating room and are receiving medical attention. Authorities are cautiously optimistic about their recovery, according to Governor Tim Walz.
Around 3:35 am, while agents were proactively reviewing Hortman’s house, another call was received. Brooklyn Park police observed a police vehicle at the entrance with emergency lights on. A suspect opened fire, and the suspect managed to escape. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in the shooting at dawn, according to Governor Walz.
Mark Bruley, Brooklyn Park police manager, stated that a “large-scale search” is underway. Authorities have questioned several individuals but have yet to make an arrest. The FBI is assisting in the investigation. Authorities are looking for a man wearing a black bulletproof vest and a blue shirt.
A manifesto was found in the suspect’s vehicle that identified “numerous legislators and other officials,” said Bruley. “We immediately alert the State, who took measures to alert them and provide the necessary security.”
Governor Walz activated the state emergency operations center. “The local order forces of Champlin and Brooklyn Park have all the resources of the State of Minnesota. We are following the situation closely and we will soon give more information,” Walz said.
The White House reported that President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shootings. Senator Amy Klobuchar said, “This is an act of shocking violence. I thank all the agents of the order who are responding in real time. My prayers are with Hortman and Hoffman families.”
The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a confinement order within a 3-mile radius of the Edinburgh Golf course on Saturday morning. The Minnesota Public Security Department and local law enforcement are on the scene, the governor said.
The FBI is “fully involved” and is working with local and state partners, according to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.
Hortman, a mother of two, was a state representative since 2004. Governor Walz described her as a “formidable public servant, a key figure and a key figure in Minnesota,” who “woke up every day determined to make this state a better place.”
Former Congressman Gabby Giffords said that he is “horrified and disconsolate by the attack last night against two patriotic public officials.”
Quick Fact: The suspect is still at large.
