June 14, 2025 — Minneapolis, Minnesota
A Democratic state lawmaker and her husband were shot and killed early Friday in what authorities describe as a politically motivated attack in suburban Minneapolis. A second Democratic legislator and his wife were also targeted, with one of them wounded in the assault.
Representative Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, and her husband died at the scene of the shooting at their residence. Meanwhile, State Senator John Hoffman, of Champlin, was wounded in a separate but coordinated attack at his home. His wife was unharmed, according to preliminary police reports.
Authorities said the shootings occurred in the early morning hours and were carried out by a suspect impersonating a law enforcement officer. The attacks prompted shelter-in-place orders in the cities of Brooklyn Park and Champlin as law enforcement launched a manhunt for the gunman.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as a “politically motivated assassination,” stating that the attacks “represent a direct threat to democracy and public service.” He confirmed the activation of the Minnesota Emergency Operations Center to support local law enforcement.
“The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and other state resources are fully engaged to apprehend the suspect and ensure community safety,” Walz said in a statement posted on social media.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar confirmed the identities of the victims and described the attack as a “stunning act of violence.” She expressed condolences on social media, writing, “Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families.”
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi also responded to the attack, condemning it as “horrific violence” and vowing that those responsible will be “prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
No arrest had been reported at the time of publication, and the motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Officials have not yet released additional details about the suspect or the exact sequence of events, but sources familiar with the investigation said the incidents were clearly targeted.
Residents in the affected suburbs were advised to remain indoors while police continued their search and investigation. Additional security measures have been introduced at government buildings across the state as a precaution.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.
Picture for Illustration only: Minneapolis Police Procession by Chad Davis
