A man posing as a police officer shot and killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband early Saturday, Gov. Tim Walz said. A second lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were also shot. Walz described the attacks as “targeted political violence.” Both were Democratic leaders attacked in their homes. The fake cop gunman is still on the move.
More Details About The Minnesota Shooting Victims
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a white male, brown hair suspect. Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect fled out of the back of Melissa Hortman’s house after an exchange of gunfire with police. The suspect wore a copycat police officer uniform and allegedly drove a vehicle that “looked exactly like an SUV squad car.” Bruley explained that the car had “lights, emergency lights, and looked exactly like a police vehicle.”
Melissa Hortman and her spouse were killed in their Brooklyn Park home. Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004. She and her husband had two children. Autopsies will determine the extent of injuries, but Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, Evans said.
Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times in their home in Champlin, per the Associated Press. They reportedly survived and underwent surgery. Hoffman was first elected in 2012, and now he represents a district north of Minneapolis. He previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board. The board manages the largest school district in Minnesota.
Governor Tim Walz Speaks As More Details Surface
Walz condemned political violence in a same-day press conference about the shootings.
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
As mentioned, Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.
“Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” Jacobson said.
Walz put a “shelter in place” order in effect early Saturday. The Minnesota State Patrol also urges people planning to participate in statewide demonstrations to stay home, per CNN. There are reportedly more than 1,800 scheduled protests for the “No Kings” movement, which seeks to reject authoritarianism, especially after Trump’s return to the White House.
What Has President Trump Said?
President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would join in the investigation.
“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
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