A politically motivated shooting in Minnesota has left Democratic House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, while State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife recover from multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities are actively searching for a gunman posing as a police officer believed to be responsible for both attacks.
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BROOKLYN PARK, MN (2-minute read) — A horrifying series of targeted shootings rocked Minnesota early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of Democratic House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their Brooklyn Park residence.
State officials have confirmed that a man posing as a law enforcement officer gained entry to the couple’s home before opening fire, killing both. Governor Tim Walz described the incident as a “politically motivated assassination.”
On the same morning, DFL State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times at their home in Champlin in what appears to be a coordinated attack. Both survived emergency surgery, and their conditions remain guarded but hopeful, according to the governor.
Walz announces that Rep. Melissa Hortman is dead as a result of a “politically motivated assassination” pic.twitter.com/BBTAhTmseV
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 14, 2025
Authorities have not released a suspect name, but a manhunt is actively underway. Police say they found a list of targeted people that is substantially long.
Political Violence Shakes Minnesota
Speaker Emerita Hortman, 54, served the people of Minnesota for over two decades, most recently leading the Minnesota House until earlier this year. She was recognized for her civility, bipartisanship, and deep commitment to public service. Her death sent shockwaves throughout the state’s political community, with fellow lawmakers expressing sorrow and outrage.
Law enforcement believes the attacker used a police uniform or credentials to impersonate an officer, a deeply disturbing tactic that allowed him to bypass initial suspicion. Such impersonation poses a real danger, not just to political figures but to the public as well.
With heightened concerns about politically driven violence and impersonation of officials, Minnesota lawmakers have been placed under protective custody. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local agencies are coordinating enhanced security measures for elected officials statewide.
This attack underscores the increasing tension in the political climate and the extreme risks faced by public servants. It also reinforces the importance of verifying law enforcement identity before allowing anyone into your home—especially when unexpected.
This is a developing story.
Safety Tip: Always ask for official identification before allowing someone claiming to be law enforcement into your home. If in doubt, call 911 to confirm their presence.
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