Premium

Minnesota lawmaker, husband assassinated in ‘targeted political violence’

Another Democratic lawmaker and his wife also shot at multiple times at their home; Governor says closely monitoring situation.

John Hoffman and state representative Melissa Hortman, both members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, the state’s Democratic affiliate. (Photo/X/@catturd2)

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman, former House Speaker, and her husband Mark were killed in a shooting at their Brooklyn Park home. Another Democratic lawmaker, State Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were shot multiple times in their Champlin home but are expected to survive. The shootings appear to be a politically motivated assassination, according to Governor Walz.

The incidents took place in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, two neighbouring cities in the Minneapolis metropolitan area.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in a post on X that he had been briefed on what he called “targeted shootings” and that the State Emergency Operations Center had been activated. “We’re monitoring the situation closely,” he added.

I will provide an update on last night’s targeted shootings shortly: https://t.co/MQTbabYgKC

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025

The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order for a three-mile radius around Edinburgh Golf Course. Residents have been advised not to open their doors unless there are two uniformed officers present, according to local outlet Fox 9.

Mayor Zach Lindstrom of Mounds View, a nearby city, posted on X that elected officials in the area had received a safety alert. He also said there were reports that the suspect may have been impersonating a police officer and has not yet been located.

I’m just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we’d be here. My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families. I hope everyone comes out of this ok.

I cannot emphasize enough that this is not…

— Mayor Zach Lindstrom (@MoundsViewMayor) June 14, 2025

CBS News, cited by BBC, said there is little confirmed information about the identity or motive of the suspect. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and a press conference is expected later today to provide further details.

The shootings come at a time when threats against public officials in the United States have increased. A recent survey by the University of Chicago found that while political violence is becoming more frequent, most Americans do not support such acts.

Both Hoffman and Hortman are members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, Minnesota’s affiliate of the Democratic Party.

Officials say the suspect is still at large in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. Local police are continuing their investigations in both neighbourhoods.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram