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By Martha McHardy and Ben Kelly
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Minnesota Democrat Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband have died after they were shot at their home in Brooklyn Park early Saturday morning, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said during a press conference.
The gunman, who remains at large, had targeted the home of another Democratic lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, shortly before the attack on the Hortmans.
Why It Matters
Hortman and her husband, Mark, were pronounced dead Saturday morning after a gunman posing as law enforcement arrived at their home in the early hours and shot them. Walz called the shooting "a politically motivated assassination."
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What To Know
Hoffman and his wife were shot at their home in Champlin and are both now out of surgery.
Walz called the shootings an act of "targeted political violence" as he confirmed the attacks on Saturday morning.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Senator John Hoffman, Representative Melissa Hortman, and their families following the tragic events that occurred early this morning. Champlin residents can be assured that our law enforcement team is working closely with partner agencies to investigate these targeted attacks. We are grateful for the swift and professional response of our officers and remain confident in their continued efforts to keep our community safe," local police said in a statement to Newsweek.
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Walz first took to X on Saturday morning and wrote: "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."
In a later post on X, Walz wrote: "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. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon."
An emergency alert was shared in the early hours of Saturday, warning of an armed perpetrator at large.
According to Fox 9 Minneapolis, it reads: "BKP PD issuing shelter in place order in 3 mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course for emergency event. Police are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous. Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement. Do not approach. Call 911."
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What People Are Saying
Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, wrote on X: "This is a stunning act of violence. I'm thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service."
Lisa Demuth, speaker of the Minnesota House, wrote on X: "I am shocked and horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight. Please lift up in prayer the victims, as well as the law enforcement personnel working to apprehend the perpetrator."
Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, wrote on X: "Horrible news in our neighbor to the north/MN w the targeting of public servants Violence is never the answer I hope suspect is caught & swiftly brought to justice."
What Happens Next?
The search for the gunman continues.
Update 6/14/25, 11:50 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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