A Minnesota state legislator and her husband were shot and killed early Saturday morning in what authorities are calling a “politically motivated assassination.”
The shocking attack has prompted a statewide manhunt, a shelter-in-place order, and growing concerns over the rising threat of political violence in the United States.
Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were found fatally shot outside their home in Brooklyn Park around 3:35 a.m. Saturday.
According to law enforcement, the suspect was dressed in black body armor, wearing a badge, carrying a Taser, and driving a police-style SUV equipped with flashing lights—making him virtually indistinguishable from a real officer.
Authorities believe the impersonator used his uniform and vehicle to gain access to the homes of lawmakers. Shortly before attacking the Hortmans, the same suspect shot DFL Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their residence in Champlin. Both survived and have undergone surgery.
The suspect exchanged gunfire with responding police officers at the Hortman residence but managed to escape. Law enforcement has not released the suspect’s identity, but officials confirmed a manifesto was found in the abandoned vehicle listing other potential targets, mostly elected officials.
Governor Walz: “This Was Targeted Political Violence”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the killings as a “politically motivated assassination” and canceled his appearance at a Saturday rally due to safety concerns. “Our state lost a great leader,” Walz said.
“Speaker Hortman served Minnesota with grace, humor, and a deep sense of duty. She is irreplaceable.”
Walz confirmed a shelter-in-place order remains active within a 3-mile radius of the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park. “This was an act of targeted political violence,” he said, adding that the Department of Public Safety is urging all residents to avoid political events until the suspect is captured.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson expressed outrage over the abuse of law enforcement symbols.
“The suspect exploited the trust our uniforms represent… This betrayal is deeply disturbing.”
Massive Manhunt Underway Across Minnesota
(Stephen Maturen / Getty Images)
The suspect remains at large, and a multi-agency manhunt is underway involving the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), FBI, State Patrol, and local departments.
Police have urged the public to remain inside, report any suspicious activity, and not answer their doors unless two uniformed officers are visibly present.
Several individuals have been detained for questioning, but no arrests have been made as of the latest press briefing. Officials say the suspect is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous.
National Leaders Respond to Political Killings
President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing condolences and emphasizing zero tolerance for political violence.
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” Trump said. “God bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
Attorney General Pam Bondi also weighed in, confirming that the FBI is assisting with the investigation. “This horrific violence will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she said in a post on X.
House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a forceful statement condemning the killings: “Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries confirmed he had contacted the House Sergeant at Arms and the U.S. Capitol Police to enhance security for members of Congress, especially those from Minnesota.
The U.S. Capitol Police released a statement saying they are aware of the situation and coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies, though declined to disclose operational details.
Lawmakers on Alert as Tensions Escalate
The attack has cast a long shadow over Minnesota politics and raised concerns about political security nationwide.
While the motive has not been publicly confirmed in detail, the presence of a written manifesto targeting multiple lawmakers underscores the deliberate nature of the violence.
The political climate has become increasingly volatile in recent years, with threats against elected officials rising sharply across party lines.
