In a devastating act of political violence that has shaken the state of Minnesota—and the nation—State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their home early Saturday morning. Just a few miles away, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were critically wounded in what Governor Tim Walz has called a “politically-motivated assassination.”
“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Walz said at a news conference, visibly emotional. “She was a formidable public servant. She is irreplaceable.”
The attacks took place at two separate homes in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, both just north of Minneapolis. Authorities say the shooter posed as a law enforcement officer, wearing a vest, badge, Taser, and even arriving in a vehicle outfitted with police lights.
The suspect approached the homes under the guise of official business, knocking on doors and asking residents to step outside. Around 2 a.m., Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times. Hours later, officers conducting a wellness check at Hortman’s home encountered the suspect exiting the residence.
A firefight ensued.
Despite a shootout with police, the suspect escaped on foot, triggering an urgent manhunt that remains active. Authorities recovered a chilling piece of evidence: a list found inside the suspect’s fake police vehicle that named “many lawmakers,” including those already attacked.
“We’re cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” Governor Walz said of Hoffman and his wife, who remain hospitalized following surgery.
Representative Melissa Hortman was more than a legislator—she was the former Speaker of the Minnesota House, a leader, a mentor, and a powerful advocate for justice. Her tragic death has prompted waves of grief across the political spectrum.
Senator Amy Klobuchar, clearly shaken, called both victims close friends. “They’re devoted to their families and public service,” she said. “This is a stunning act of violence. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families.”
The FBI is now fully engaged in the investigation. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino confirmed the agency is “working in collaboration with our local and state partners,” while Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that the “horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Meanwhile, residents are being urged to take extreme caution. If someone identifying themselves as a police officer knocks on your door, officials are pleading with the public to call 911 to verify.
This tragedy comes at a moment when democracy is already under pressure—and now, lawmakers are facing the unthinkable: being hunted in their own homes.
As Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin wrote, “I’m completely heartbroken. Praying hard for both families.”
