Officials said the suspect was dressed as a law enforcement officer.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz reported that former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were victims of a politically motivated attack, resulting in their tragic deaths. Additionally, another lawmaker and his wife sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
During a press briefing on Saturday, Walz emphasized the need to oppose all types of political violence, both in Minnesota and nationwide. He assured the public that those accountable for the heinous act would face justice.
The injured legislator was identified as state Senator John Hoffman, a member of the Democratic party who assumed office in 2012. Hoffman also operates Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consultancy, and previously held the position of vice chair on the Anoka Hennepin School Board, overseeing Minnesota’s largest school district.
Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004.
Both Hoffman and Hortman represented districts located north of Minneapolis.
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a suspect. Officials said the suspect was dressed as a law enforcement officer.
Autopsies will be done to determine extent of injuries, but Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, Evans said.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.
“Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” he said.The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions.
GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement.
“I am horrified and heartbroken by last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants,” Giffords said. “My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.”
Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from Congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.
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