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Minnesota Lawmakers Melissa Hortman & Husband Murdered

Minnesota Lawmakers Melissa Hortman & Husband Murdered
Published 1 days ago on Jun 14, 2025

Minnesota Lawmakers Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed, Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured in Political Violence.

Minnesota Lawmakers Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed, Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured in Political Violence.

In a shocking and tragic event early Saturday morning, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were fatally shot in what authorities are calling a “politically motivated assassination.” Hours earlier, Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also targeted in a similar attack, sustaining serious injuries but are currently reported to be recovering after surgery. The violent incidents have plunged Minnesota into mourning and sparked a massive manhunt for the gunman, who was impersonating a police officer during the attacks.

Sequence of Attacks and Immediate Response

The first shooting occurred just after 2 a.m. local time at the home of Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in Champlin, Minnesota. Both sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital where they underwent surgery. Officials remain cautiously optimistic about their survival.

Roughly two hours later, the same assailant targeted the home of Representative Melissa Hortman, located about six miles south in Brooklyn Park. Police arriving on the scene were met by a man posing as a law enforcement officer, complete with a fake police vehicle flashing emergency lights in the driveway. When officers confronted the suspect, he immediately opened fire. An exchange of gunfire ensued before the suspect fled on foot, leaving Melissa Hortman and her husband dead at the scene.

Authorities Describe Political Motive

Governor Tim Walz addressed the public at a press conference, expressing his grief and condemning the attacks as acts of “targeted political violence.” He described Melissa Hortman as a "great leader" and a "dearest friend," emphasizing the deep loss felt across the state.

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“This was an act of targeted political violence. Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint,” Walz said. He assured Minnesotans that those responsible would be held accountable and vowed to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Impersonation and Evidence Found

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley revealed that the gunman used police impersonation to gain access and trust. The suspect arrived in a vehicle nearly identical to a police SUV, complete with emergency lights, and wore police-style body armor, a vest equipped with a taser, and other law enforcement gear. This deception exploited public trust in law enforcement and added to the sense of betrayal among real officers and the community.

A manifesto was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, containing a list of many lawmakers and officials, including Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman. This chilling discovery confirms the attack was planned and targeted.

Manhunt and Public Safety Measures

Following the shootings, a shelter-in-place order was issued for residents within a three-mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park. Hundreds of officers, including SWAT teams and the FBI, have been involved in an ongoing, extensive manhunt.

Police described the suspect as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and pants. Residents were warned to avoid approaching anyone claiming to be law enforcement unless two officers are present and to call 911 to verify identities. Several individuals have been detained for questioning, but no arrests have been made.

Community and National Reactions

Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson called the shootings “a dark day” and condemned the exploitation of police uniforms to commit violence. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” he said.

Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom offered condolences to the families and strongly condemned all violence against elected officials, urging peaceful protest and vigilance from the community.

On the national level, former President Donald Trump described the shootings as “horrific” and pledged that those responsible would face the “fullest extent of the law.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the FBI and the Attorney General are actively investigating and prosecuting those involved.

Background on Victims

Melissa Hortman, 55, served Minnesota’s District 34B and was the House Minority Leader from 2017 to 2019 before becoming Speaker of the House in 2019. She and her husband Mark leave behind two children. Senator John Hoffman, serving his fourth term since 2012, represents District 34, which includes Champlin and Brooklyn Park. He and his wife Yvette have a daughter.

A Call to End Political Violence

Governor Walz called on all Americans to stand against political violence during this “precipice moment” in the nation’s history. The attacks come amid heightened tensions and widespread demonstrations nationwide, underscoring the urgent need for peaceful dialogue and respect for democratic processes.

Summary

The tragic loss of Melissa Hortman and her husband marks a grim moment for Minnesota and the country. Law enforcement and communities remain vigilant as they await the capture of the suspect and hope for the recovery of Senator Hoffman and his wife. The nation watches closely, reminded of the vital importance of democracy free from violence.

Victims’ families mourned; calls for unity and peace intensify nationwide.

Governor Tim Walz and officials condemn political violence and vow justice.

Shelter-in-place order in effect; massive manhunt underway with FBI involvement.

Gunman impersonated police officer; a manifesto naming lawmakers found.

Senator John Hoffman and wife Yvette shot and critically injured earlier same day.

Minnesota Rep Melissa Hortman and husband Mark killed in targeted shooting.

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