Two prominent Minnesota state lawmakers, Senator John Hoffman and Representative Melissa Hortman, were shot in their homes early Saturday morning in what authorities are calling targeted attacks.
State officials provided an update on the overnight incidents in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, confirming the death of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her spouse, and the wounding of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Governor Tim Walz addressed the media, stating, “This tragic act here in Minnesota should serve as a reminder to all of us. The democracy and the debates in the halls of Congress, in state houses, in school boards, are a way to settle our differences peacefully and move society to a better place. We’re collaborating with all local, state, and federal agencies on a full investigation. We’re committed to keeping Minnesotans informed.”
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“To the communities, the family, the friends, and everybody that cared about the individuals that were gunned down today,” said Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), emphasizing the collective loss for the state. “When we have individuals like this and our political leadership, they’re not only political leaders, but they’re members of the community. Well-known members of the community know that the tragedy in a situation like this is not only for them, their friends and families, but also for us collectively, the communities they represent, and us as the state of Minnesota as a whole.”
The initial call came in early Saturday morning in Champlin, reporting that Senator Hoffman and his wife had been shot.
Police responded to that location and were managing the situation. Then, at approximately 3:35 AM, Brooklyn Park police officers, proactively checking on Representative Hortman due to the earlier incident, encountered an individual who immediately opened fire on them. An exchange of gunfire ensued, during which the suspect was able to escape.
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At the Champlin residence, life-saving measures were provided to Senator Hoffman and his wife. Both were transported to the hospital and underwent surgery for their injuries.
“Their conditions are at this time, both those individuals Senator Hoffman and his wife were both alive at this time, but they suffered gunshot wounds and are obviously in a difficult situation,” Evans stated, adding, “but we’re optimistic that they will continue to improve.”
The BCA, FBI, and Brooklyn Park police are collaborating on the homicide investigation, conducting crime scene analysis. Autopsies will be performed on the deceased to determine the full extent of their injuries.
“I am closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners. This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said US Attorney General Pam Bondi.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
Sources close to the investigation, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, revealed that investigators believe the assailant may have posed as a law enforcement officer to gain entry. The motive for the attacks remains unclear, and the investigation is in its early stages.
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Governor Tim Walz swiftly condemned the shootings, stating that the incident was a targeted act.
“I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene. We will share more information soon,” said Walz. “I’ve activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.”
Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected to the state Senate in 2012. He is the head of Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm, and previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, overseeing Minnesota’s largest school district. Senator Hoffman is married and has one daughter.
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Representative Melissa Hortman, also a Democrat, is the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House Speaker. She was first elected in 2004. A lawyer by profession, Representative Hortman is married and has two children.
Both Senator Hoffman and Representative Hortman represent districts located north of Minneapolis.
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