Minnesota is in mourning after a shocking wave of violence targeted state lawmakers, leaving State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife seriously wounded. Authorities say the attacks appear to be politically motivated.

At a press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the devastating news, calling it “a politically motivated assassination.” The twin attacks have shaken the state’s political establishment and triggered a massive multi-agency manhunt.

The violence began early Saturday morning, when a 911 call reported gunshots at Senator Hoffman’s residence shortly after 2 a.m. Officers arrived to find Hoffman and his wife critically injured from multiple gunshot wounds. Both underwent emergency surgery and are now in stable condition. Governor Walz said, “We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.”

Less than two hours later, police conducted a welfare check at the Brooklyn Park home of Rep. Melissa Hortman, fearing she might also be in danger. As officers arrived, they spotted a man dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform exiting the home and a police-style cruiser parked in the driveway.

As officers approached, the man opened fire. A brief but intense shootout followed. The suspect escaped, and no officers were injured.

Now, a statewide manhunt is underway. The FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), State Patrol, and Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office are all working with Brooklyn Park Police to locate the suspect. Authorities warn the shooter may be impersonating law enforcement. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley urged residents to be cautious: “If someone claiming to be an officer comes to your door, call 911 to confirm their identity before letting them in.”

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The FBI is fully engaged on the ground in Minnesota and is working in collaboration with our local and state partners.”

A Legacy of Public Service

Melissa Hortman, a lifelong Minnesotan, was a respected lawmaker, devoted mother, and active member of her community. Raised in Andover and Spring Lake Park, she graduated from Blaine High School before attending Boston University, where she studied philosophy and political science. Early in her career, she worked in Washington, D.C. for Senators John Kerry and Al Gore.

Hortman later earned a law degree from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School. She and her husband settled in Brooklyn Park, where they raised two children and became deeply involved in local life. Melissa taught Sunday school, led Girl Scout troops, volunteered in schools, and served on local boards.

Elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004, Hortman served 11 terms and became Speaker of the House. She was known for her work on clean energy, transportation, education, and environmental issues. Her leadership was instrumental in advancing Minnesota’s solar energy initiatives.

Her husband, Mark Hortman, was a highly respected IT professional. A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate with a master’s from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, he worked as a Program Manager at nVent. Mark was praised for his technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and leadership on major digital projects throughout his career, including roles at Digital River and Threebridge Solutions.

National Reaction

The tragic events have drawn national attention and condemnation. Former President Joe Biden issued a powerful statement on X, writing:

“This heinous attack motivated by politics should never happen in America. We must give hate and extremism no safe harbor and we must all unite against political violence as a nation.”

Biden’s message reflects growing concern over the rise in politically driven violence and the urgent need for unity in its aftermath.

As Minnesota mourns, the search continues for the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities immediately.