‘Politically motivated': Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman killed in fake cop attack; statewide manhunt underway
Two Minnesota lawmakers were shot in their homes early Saturday in what authorities are calling a 'politically motivated' attack by a suspect who may have posed as a law enforcement officer.
A statewide manhunt is underway.
Governor Tim Walz confirmed that former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in the attack. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot, with Hoffman reportedly wounded. The shootings occurred in separate residences in districts located north of Minneapolis.
'This was a targeted, politically motivated shooting,' Gov. Walz said.
Authorities are still investigating the attacker's motive and identity, but a source familiar with the case told The Associated Press that the suspect may have impersonated a police officer to gain access to the victims' homes.
Law enforcement agencies are in the early stages of what is being described as a complex investigation.
The shootings have shocked Minnesota's political community and come at a time when elected officials across the US are facing growing threats and harassment amid heightened political tensions.
John Hoffman, a Democrat first elected to the state Senate in 2012, is also a consultant and former vice chair of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board.
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He lives with his wife and daughter.
Melissa Hortman, a Democrat and former House speaker, was first elected in 2004. A lawyer by profession, she is survived by two children. She had recently taken on a leadership role in the state Legislature.
The gun violence prevention organisation GIFFORDS, founded by former US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, issued a strong statement condemning the shootings.
'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Giffords said.
'An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.'
Giffords survived a 2011 assassination attempt that killed six people and injured 12 others during a public event in Arizona. She stepped down from Congress the following year to focus on recovery and advocacy work.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the manhunt continues for the suspect behind Saturday's deadly assault.
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