US state politician and husband killed in ‘targeted' attacks on two Democrats
A second state politician, senator John Hoffman, and his wife were shot and wounded in the 'targeted' attack in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Saturday, said governor Tim Walz.
I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025
'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Mr Walz said at a press conference on Saturday.
'Those responsible for this will be held accountable.'
Ms Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004, was a lawyer and married with two children.
Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012 and runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm.
He previously served as vice-chairman of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Mr Hoffman is married and has one daughter.
Both Ms Hortman and Mr Hoffman represented districts located north of Minneapolis.
Authorities were actively searching for a suspect in the hours following the shootings.
Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.
Hundreds of police and sheriff deputies from departments in the region, some in tactical gear with assault style weapons were scattered through the town.
Occasional police roadblocks had been set up where cars were stopped and checked.
Police later recovered writings that mentioned the names of multiple legislators and other officials in a fake police car they believe the suspect used in the shooting.
Officials say both Ms Hortman and Mr Hoffman were mentioned in the suspect's writings.
Brooklyn Park Police chief Mark Bruley said: 'When we did a search of the vehicle, there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials.
'We immediately made alerts to the state. We took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary.'
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine extent of injuries, but added that Ms Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds.
Mr Bruley said the suspect fled out of the back of Ms Hortman's house after an exchange of gunfire with police.
The suspect was dressed like a uniformed officer and operating a vehicle that 'looked exactly like an SUV squad car,' he said.
'It was equipped with lights, emergency lights and looked exactly like a police vehicle.'
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would join in the investigation.
'Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved 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!'
Minnesota House speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack 'evil' and said she was 'heartbroken beyond words' by the killings of Ms Hortman and her husband, Mark.
'With the law enforcement response ongoing and details still emerging, I will simply ask all Minnesotans to please lift up in prayer the victims of this horrific attack, as well as the law enforcement personnel still working to apprehend the perpetrator,' Ms Demuth said in a statement.
The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions.
Giffords, the national gun violence prevention organisation led by former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement.
'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Ms Giffords said.
'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.
'Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.'
Ms Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others.
She stepped down from congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.
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