Manhunt underway after Minnesota lawmaker killed and another injured in ‘politically motivated' shootings

CNN

14-06-2025

Update:
Date: 26 min ago
Title: "No Kings" flyers found in Minnesota shooting suspect's car, according to officials
Content:
The Minnesota State Patrol posted a photo of 'No Kings' flyers found inside the car of the suspect.
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said earlier Saturday 'there were some flyers that said 'no kings' within the suspect's vehicle.'
Officials are asking the public to not attend demonstrations planned throughout the state today out of an abundance of caution.
Update:
Date: 16 min ago
Title: Police found a hit list in suspect's car with nearly 70 different targets including abortion providers
Content:
Law enforcement found a hit list in the Minnesota suspect's car that contained nearly 70 names, a law enforcement official briefed on the matter told CNN.
The names included abortion providers, pro-abortion rights advocates, and lawmakers in Minnesota and other states, the official added. Law enforcement also found a Father's Day card addressed to the suspect in a bag full of ammunition, the official said.
A second official briefed on the case echoed the targeting of abortion providers to CNN's Holmes Lybrand.
Update:
Date: 29 min ago
Title: Biden calls for national unity after lawmakers targeted in Minnesota shootings
Content:
Former President Joe Biden condemned the recent shootings targeting lawmakers in Minnesota on Saturday. A state representative and her husband were killed, and a state senator and his wife were also shot.
Biden called on Americans to stand united against hate and extremism.
He described the incident as a 'heinous attack' that should never occur in the United States, underscoring the nation's foundational values of democracy.
'We must give hate and extremism no safe harbor, and we must all unite against political violence as a nation,' the former president wrote in a post on X.
Offering his and former First Lady Jill Biden's personal sympathies, Biden extended 'strength' to victims affected by the tragedy.
'Jill and I are sending strength to everyone affected by this senseless tragedy during an unimaginable time,' Biden concluded.
Update:
Date: 37 min ago
Title: DHS Secretary Noem condemns "horrific shooting" of Minnesota lawmakers
Content:
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the agency is monitoring the 'horrific shooting' of state lawmakers in Minnesota after state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed early this morning in what Gov. Tim Walz said 'appears to be a politically motivated assassination.'
'DHS is monitoring the horrific shooting of two Minnesota legislators in Brooklyn Park and Champlin,' Noem wrote in a post on X.
The secretary added that the department is in contact with interagency partners and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
'We are in communication with our interagency partners, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families,' the statement read.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 4 min ago
Title: Minneapolis mayor assigns additional resources to ensure safety of public officials "who may be at risk"
Content:
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey has assigned additional police resources to 'check on the safety of public officials who may be at risk, and to actively participate in the manhunt,' for the suspect in the assasination of Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, a statement from the mayor's office said.
'I am sickened by the assassination of Speaker Hortman and the attack on Senator Hoffman,' Frey said, noting that he has been in contact with our the Minneapolis Police Commissioner, chief and safety partners 'all morning.'
'Political violence is evil. It cannot be tolerated, and neither can those who condone it or make excuses for it,' Frey said.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 6 min ago
Title: US Capitol Police issues statement on shooting targeting Minnesota lawmakers
Content:
'The United States Capitol Police is aware of the violence targeting state lawmakers in Minnesota. We have been working with our federal, state and local partners. For safety reasons, we cannot provide specific details about our security posture,' the US Capitol Police said in a statement to CNN Saturday.
Capitol Police are checking in with members of Congress to inform them that they were listed in the shooter's alleged manifesto, one source told CNN.
Update:
Date: 16 min ago
Title: Congressional leaders condemn political violence while speaking out on Minnesota state lawmaker shooting
Content:
Congressional leaders condemned political violence on Saturday after a Minnesota state representative and her husband were shot and killed early in the morning.
'Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it. Our prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families as well as the people of Minnesota during this tragic time,' House Speaker Mike Johnson said in an X post.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a post on X: 'The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and State Rep. Melissa Hortman are deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable. Praying hard for the victims and all who have been affected.'
'The ghastly targeted shootings of Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman are not just horrific—they're acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself. This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead. We must stand united against political violence in all forms—and bring those responsible to swift and full justice. My heart aches for the victims and their families,' Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in an X post.
Their comments follow what Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said 'appears to be a politically-motivated assassination.'
Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed during the incident. Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also targeted by the same individual and each shot multiple times, Walz said.
Both lawmakers are members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 5 min ago
Title: Minnesota State Patrol asks public not to participate in planned demonstrations across the state
Content:
Col. Christina Bogojevic with the Minnesota State Patrol has asked residents to not attend demonstration events planned throughout the state Saturday, citing safety concerns.
'Given the targeted shootings of state law lawmakers that happened overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today's planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution,' Bogojevic said during a news conference Saturday while adding that 'there were some flyers that said, 'no kings' within the suspect vehicle.'
Remember: More than 1,800 protests across all 50 states are planned through the 'No Kings' movement, which organizers say seeks to reject 'authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy.'
Another official, Drew Evans, Superintendent, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota Department of Public Safety said part of the reason for asking the public not to participate in planned protests is due to the fact there's a 'very active' manhunt underway.
Update:
Date: 55 min ago
Title: Schumer, Thune and other lawmakers react to shootings
Content:
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he is 'horrified' at the fatal shootings of Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the targeting of Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
'Political violence has no place in our nation,' the South Dakota Republican said in an X post.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for unity 'against political violence in all forms,' in a post on X following the politically motivated attacks on Minnesota lawmakers overnight.
'The ghastly targeted shootings of Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman are not just horrific—they're acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself,' the New York Democrat wrote. 'This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead.'
'We must stand united against political violence in all forms—and bring those responsible to swift and full justice. My heart aches for the victims and their families,' he added.
'I am heartbroken and horrified by the tragic loss of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were taken from us in an act of violence,' Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar wrote in a post on X. 'Melissa was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and were always there for each other. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. Melissa's legacy will endure, but today we grieve deeply. John's and my prayers are with their children, their loved ones, and all who are mourning this devastating loss.'
Former Arizona Democratic Rep. Gabby Giffords, now the head of national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, said in a statement that she is 'devastated' about Hortman's death.
'There will be more to say, but this much is clear: we must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun,' added Giffords, who was one of 13 people wounded in an Arizona supermarket parking lot in 2011.
Update:
Date: 43 min ago
Title: "Manifesto" identifying "many lawmakers and other officials" found in suspect's vehicle
Content:
What officials are calling a 'manifesto' identifying 'many lawmakers and other officials,' was found when law enforcement searched the vehicle of the suspect wanted in the assassination of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman, according to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley.
'We immediately made alerts to the state, who took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary,' the chief said.
Members of the Minnesota congressional delegation were named in the alleged manifesto, according to a law enforcement source.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 24 min ago
Title: Minneapolis "No Kings" event canceled, but a demonstration near Capitol expected to continue
Content:
A 'No Kings' event that was planned to take place in Northeast Minneapolis today has since been canceled because of a shelter-in-place order following the attacks on two Minnesota state lawmakers, according to organizers.
A grassroots group called Indivisible Twin Cities said it's still holding a 'No Kings'-related event — but the group now plans to gather outside of the state Capitol building.
'We think it's important to gather peacefully. In the face of this horror, we will mourn and mark our determination for a peaceful, just, democratic future,' the group said on social media. 'Our leadership team is in touch with authorities at the Capitol and will share any updates.'
More background: Millions of Americans are expected to attend 'No Kings' protests across the country to denounce what organizers describe as President Donald Trump's authoritarian policies and 'militarization of our democracy.' It comes on the same day Trump will preside over a military parade in Washington, DC.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 22 min ago
Title: Shelter-in-place order in effect as search for Minnesota shooting suspect is underway
Content:
Local police have issued a shelter-in-place order amid an 'active investigation' in the Minneapolis suburbs of Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said at news conference this morning.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued the order in a 3-mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course Saturday morning, according to the City of Brooklyn Park.
'We have thousands of people sheltered in place in the city of Brooklyn Park right now. We are in an extensive manhunt involving hundreds and hundreds of police officers and SWAT teams searching,' Bruley said.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 47 min ago
Title: Trump has been briefed on shootings targeting Minnesota lawmakers, White House says
Content:
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shootings in Minnesota that appear to have been 'a targeted attack against state lawmakers,' the White House said Saturday.
'I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,' the president said in a statement released by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt on X.
Trump said Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are leading the investigation, adding that anyone involved 'will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'
'Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!' The statement continued.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 45 min ago
Title: Officials say suspect appeared to be dressed as officer and fired at police
Content:
Law enforcement was first called around 2 a.m. local time on Saturday with reports that someone had shot Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Police responded to their home and provided life-saving measures before the couple was transported to the hospital, according to Drew Evans, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension superintendent.
Around 3:35 a.m., another call came in when officers were proactively checking on Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman's home.
When Brooklyn Park police officers arrived, they noticed that there was a police vehicle in the driveway with emergency lights on and what appeared to be a police officer at the door, coming out of the house, officials said. That individual immediately fired a weapon at them, Evans said, and an exchange of gunfire took place, during which the suspect was able to escape.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department, along with other law enforcement agencies from the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Patrol and FBI, and BCA are now actively engaged in a manhunt for the suspect they believe is responsible for both shootings, Evans said.
'If somebody comes to the door and they knock on the door claiming to be a police officer, please do a couple things: One, call 911 and confirm that the officer belongs there. If they are a police officer, dispatch will be able to confirm that that person is police officer,' Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said, addressing the community.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 46 min ago
Title: Bondi calls Minnesota lawmaker's killing a "targeted attack" and is monitoring situation closely
Content:
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said she is closely monitoring what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers in Minnesota on Saturday and vowed swift and full prosecution for those responsible.
'I am closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers,' Bondi said in a post on X. 'The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners.'
She also said the 'horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'
Update:
Date: 1 hr 39 min ago
Title: Hortman was a fixture in the state of Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz says
Content:
Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, a mother of two, grew up in Spring Lake Park and Andover, according to a previous campaign page. She was elected to the state House of Representatives in 2004.
The campaign page described her as 'a lifelong resident of the northern suburbs, a mother, a volunteer, and a small business person.'
The page also described her as a dedicated volunteer who balanced her law practice as well as teaching Sunday school at Saint Timothy Catholic Church in Blaine.
Gov. Tim Walz today said she was a 'formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota,' who 'woke up every day determined to make this state a better place.'
She was a member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party.
Update:
Date: 2 hr 12 min ago
Title: Deputy FBI director says agency is "fully engaged"
Content:
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the FBI is 'fully engaged' on the ground in Minnesota after Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed early this morning in 'what appears to be a politically motivated assassination,' according to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
'The FBI is fully engaged on the ground in Minnesota and is working in collaboration with our local and state partners,' Bongino wrote in a post on X.
Update:
Date: 1 hr 51 min ago
Title: Manhunt underway for shooting suspect, officials say
Content:
The suspect is at large and a massive manhunt is underway, officials said at the news conference.
Authorities are searching for a male wearing black body armor and a blue shirt who may have impersonated law enforcement, one law enforcement source told CNN.
The FBI is assisting in the investigation.
Update:
Date: 2 hr 4 min ago
Title: Minnesota state lawmaker killed in "politically-motivated assassination," governor says
Content:
Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed early Saturday morning in 'what appears to be a politically motivated assassination,' Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at a news conference.
Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also targeted by the same individual and each shot multiple times, Walz said. They have undergone surgery and are alive.
'The Hoffmans are out of surgery at this time and receiving care, and we are cautiously optimally optimistic, they will survive this assassination attempt,' the governor said.
Both lawmakers are members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party.