Washington, June 14 — Two Democratic lawmakers from Minnesota were shot in separate incidents in the early hours of Saturday in what authorities suspect to be politically motivated attacks. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park residence, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, sustained serious injuries in a shooting at their home in nearby Champlin.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the attacks as “deeply disturbing” and suggested that the motive appeared to be political. “This is an attack on democracy, and we will not be intimidated,” he said in a statement.
The two incidents occurred within a span of just over 90 minutes and at residences approximately 12 kilometres apart. Police officials believe the suspect posed as a law enforcement officer and may have specifically targeted the lawmakers.
Fatal Attack on Rep. Hortman
Representative Hortman, a prominent Democratic voice in Minnesota’s State Assembly, and her husband were found dead following an emergency response around 3:35 a.m. local time. Officers were conducting a welfare check when they discovered the couple had been shot. No signs of forced entry were reported.
Senator Hoffman and Wife Undergo Surgery
Earlier, at 2:00 a.m., law enforcement responded to a distress call from the home of State Senator John Hoffman, where he and his wife, Yvette, were both found with multiple gunshot wounds. According to medical officials, Senator Hoffman was shot twice, and Mrs. Hoffman three times. Both underwent emergency surgery and are reported to be in stable condition. Their daughter, Hope, who also resides at the address, was unharmed.
Suspect at Large; FBI, State Police Investigating
Minnesota State Police Superintendent Drew Evans said that investigators believe the gunman was impersonating a police officer, citing preliminary reports from responding officers who engaged in a brief exchange of fire with the suspect before he fled the scene.
“A multi-agency manhunt is now underway,” Mr. Evans said, adding that the FBI is actively involved and the suspect’s identity will be made public once confirmed.
Federal Authorities React
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed that federal investigators believe the attacks were targeted acts of political violence. “We are treating this as a high-priority domestic threat,” she said. “Our goal is swift and full prosecution of those responsible.”
President Donald Trump also responded to the incident in an official statement released by White House Press Secretary Karloine Leavitt. “This horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God bless the great people of Minnesota,” Mr. Trump stated, offering condolences to the victims and their families.
Political Climate Under Scrutiny
The attack has reignited debates in U.S. political circles over the safety of elected officials and the rise of political extremism. Both victims were members of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Minnesota’s affiliate of the Democratic Party, and had been vocal advocates for progressive reforms.
Condolences and condemnations poured in from across party lines, with calls for heightened security protocols for public representatives.
This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.
