A gunman dressed as a police officer executed Minnesota State Assemblywoman Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday before wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his spouse in a coordinated attack authorities describe as politically motivated.
Governor Tim Walz confirmed the assailant targeted the Democratic lawmakers using a vehicle with emergency lights and tactical gear that included an authentic-looking police badge and vest-mounted taser.
Manhunt Underway for Suspect With Hit List
The FBI has joined a massive search for the fugitive gunman who abandoned a vehicle containing a manifesto listing multiple state officials. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley revealed officers responding to the Hoffmans’ Champlin residence at 2 a.m.
CDT proactively checked on Hortman’s nearby home, encountering the disguised shooter who immediately opened fire. The assailant escaped through the backyard after exchanging gunfire with police.
The attacks occurred hours before planned “No Kings” coalition protests against former President Trump, which organizers canceled following the shootings. Trump issued a statement condemning the violence while Democratic leaders connected the tragedy to escalating threats against public officials.
The killings mark the latest in a wave of political violence including the 2020 Whitmer kidnapping plot and April’s arson attack on Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro’s residence.
Security Protocols for Officials Scrutinized
Authorities confirmed both victim families were named in documents found in the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, raising urgent questions about legislator protections.
The Minnesota State Patrol has assigned security details to all legislative leaders as the House and Senate suspend sessions indefinitely. Homeland Security advisors warn the attacks demonstrate sophisticated surveillance of officials’ private residences.
As Minnesota mourns its first assassination of a sitting legislator in modern history, the attacks have reignited debates about political rhetoric’s role in violence. President Biden is expected to visit Minneapolis this week as funerals are planned for the Hortmans.
