A deadly Minnesota shooting has left one Democratic state lawmaker and her husband dead, and another lawmaker and his wife injured, in what authorities describe as a targeted act of political violence.
The gunman remains at large, prompting a statewide manhunt as officials warn residents to stay alert. The attack, which occurred early Saturday, has shaken the northern U.S. state and sparked widespread condemnation.
According to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, State Representative Melissa Hortman, a former Speaker, and her husband Mark were shot dead in their home near Minneapolis. Just 90 minutes earlier, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded at their residence.
“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Governor Walz said at a press conference, his voice filled with emotion. “Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”
Suspect Impersonated Law Enforcement
Authorities believe the Minnesota shooting suspect impersonated a police officer to gain access to the victims.
“The suspect exploited the trust that our uniform is meant to represent,” said Bob Jacobson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed that Senator Hoffman and his wife were attacked first. Police investigating that scene later responded to the fatal shooting at Hortman’s home, where the suspect escaped after an exchange of gunfire with officers.
“We’re actively searching for that individual right now,” Evans stated.
Manifesto and Anti-Trump Protests
Flyers for a “No Kings” anti-Trump protest were discovered in the suspect’s vehicle, along with a manifesto naming multiple elected officials. The rally, scheduled for Saturday in Minneapolis, was canceled after police issued a shelter-in-place order.
Local reports say police are searching for a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and pants.
“We do have the suspect’s car. Suspect is on foot,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley.
Reactions From National Leaders
President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the shootings, calling them “horrific acts of violence.” Trump emphasized that those responsible would be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar, a long-time friend of Hortman, paid tribute to her late colleague.
“Let me be absolutely clear: this was an act of targeted political violence, and it was an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy,” Klobuchar said. “We must all condemn it.”
Senator Tina Smith also issued a statement condemning the attack on Minnesota lawmakers.
Former Representative Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of gun violence, expressed heartbreak over Hortman’s death.
“We must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun,” Giffords posted on X (formerly Twitter).
A Nation Divided
The deadly shooting comes amid rising tensions in the United States, with President Trump’s policies drawing protests nationwide. Critics have pointed to his aggressive immigration stance, hostility toward the media and universities, and efforts to expand executive powers.
“At this precipice moment we’re on, this tragic act here in Minnesota should serve as a reminder to all of us,” Governor Walz said. “Democracy is how we settle our differences — not through violence.”