Politics
Two Minnesota Lawmakers Shot, One Killed By Man Impersonating A Cop
A manhunt is underway in Minnesota after two state lawmakers and at least one other victim were shot early Saturday morning by a suspect posing as a police officer.
Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman was shot in her Brooklyn Park home, while fellow party member Senator John Hoffman was shot at his Champlin residence roughly eight miles away. A manhunt is underway for the suspect, who has been described as a white male wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.
Police confirmed that Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in the attack.
The attack at Hoffman’s home occurred just after 2 a.m. local time, according to a report from KSTP-TV. He and his spouse suffered multiple gunshot wounds and underwent surgery at a local hospital.
“The Hoffmans are out of surgery at this time and receiving care, and we are cautiously optimally optimistic, they will survive this assassination attempt,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced.
“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,” Zach Lindstrom, Mayor of nearby Mounds View, posted on X.
All other Minnesota state lawmakers are under protective custody in coordination with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement jurisdictions as the manhunt unfolds.
“Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them,” the governor said. “We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon.”
The FBI is assisting in the investigation. Authorities are searching for a male wearing black body armor and a blue shirt who is believed to have impersonated a law enforcement officer during the attacks.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order in a 3-mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course Saturday morning, according to the City of Brooklyn Park.
Authorities have warned that the suspect can be considered armed and dangerous and are urging members of the public not to approach them if located.
