Governor Tim Walz Speaks Out After Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman Killed & Senator John Hoffman is Shot
A suspect posing as a police officer shot two Minnesota lawmakers, killing one and wounding the other.
Governor Tim Walz confirmed during a press conference on Saturday (June 14) that State Rep. Melissa Hortman, the former Democratic Speaker of the House, and her husband, Mark, were killed in the early morning hours.
Senator John Hoffman, 60, also a Democrat, and his wife Yvette both survived the shooting and are now receiving medical care at the hospital.
Governor Walz said the the killing of Rep. Hortman appeared to be a “politically motivated assassination.”
Keep reading to find out more…“We’re here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded today in Minnesota,” Walz said. “My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, were shot and killed earlier this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”
Authorities said that the suspect impersonated law enforcement and wore a badge to gain access to the two lawmakers’ homes. Rep. Hortman and Sen. Hoffman‘s homes are located roughly 8 miles apart.
According to NBC News, police responded to Sen. Hoffman‘s home around 2 in the morning on a report of a shooting. Authorities then went to check “proactively” on Rep. Hortman, since she is a lawmaker in the area.
Upon arriving at 3:35am, police officers encountered the suspect who “immediately fired at time.” They exchanged gunfire before the suspect fled out the back of the house.
Authorities located the suspect’s vehicle, which had lights and sirens as if it were a police squad car. They also found a “manifesto” inside with names of other lawmakers and officials. Law enforcement are now at the locations of in the individuals named on the list to provide security and protection while the investigation is ongoing.
The suspect remains at large.
President Donald Trump also addressed the situation, sharing in a statement on X, “I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. 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!”
Our thoughts are with all Rep. Melissa Hortman‘s loved ones during this difficult time. RIP.