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International Business Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- International Business Times
Who Was Melissa Hortman? Minnesota Democratic Lawmaker and Her Husband Killed While Sen. John Hoffman Is Shot by Madman Posing as Cop
A Minnesota state legislator was shot dead and another was seriously wounded early Saturday in what police suspect were deliberate attacks at the homes of the Democratic state officials, according to reports. Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed when a gunman posing as a police officer arrived at their home in Brooklyn Park, Governor Tim Walz announced during a press conference. Meanwhile, fellow party member Sen. John Hoffman was shot roughly 8 miles away in Champlin, sources told 5 Eyewitness News. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the unidentified suspect, who was last seen wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue trousers. Madman on Killing Spree "We're here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded," Walz said, adding, "State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was assassinated, and her husband, Mark, was also killed." John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times while inside their home in Champlin. Walz said that both have undergone surgery but are still in critical condition. A desperate manhunt, with help from the FBI, is now underway as investigators suspect that two people may have been involved in the early morning attacks. Officials said at a Saturday morning press briefing that no arrests had been made, but several "persons of interest" had been taken in for questioning. The first shooting happened shortly after 2 a.m. at Hoffman's home in Champlin, about 20 miles from Minneapolis. A man and a woman were shot multiple times, though their current conditions remain unclear, according to KSTP. The second attack took place around 4 a.m., roughly eight miles to the south, at Representative Hortman's home in Brooklyn Park. One man was shot several times, but his medical status has not been confirmed, The Sun reported. Following the shooting at Hortman's house, officials said police engaged one of the suspects in the street, leading to a shootout. Drew Evans, head of the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that the suspect managed to escape during the exchange of gunfire and is still on the run. Related Incidents of Targeted Attack Officials suspect that both incidents are connected and involve a perpetrator pretending to be a police officer. Walz has spoken out on social media, denouncing the "targeted attacks" and announcing that the State Emergency Operations Center is being activated as authorities intensify their search for the suspect. "I've been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park," Walz wrote on X. "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," the Governor wrote. The suspect was described by police as a white man with brown hair, dressed in black body armor layered over a blue shirt and blue pants. Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place alert around 5:30 a.m. which was later extended to cover a three-mile area surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course. A second emergency alert was sent out around 7 a.m., urging residents not to open their doors unless two officers were present and to call 911 to confirm the identity of any law enforcement personnel.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and husband Mark dead after being shot — what was the motive?
Melissa Hortman , a former leader of the Minnesota House, and her husband Mark were shot and killed at their home on Saturday morning in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The Governor said this attack was done because of politics, according to reports. Around the same time, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot several times at their home in Champlin. Both Hoffman and his wife went through surgery and are still alive. The governor said he is 'cautiously optimistic' about their recovery, as stated in the report by 5 Eyewitness News. Walz said Melissa Hortman was a strong leader and a close friend. He said she helped Minnesota with kindness, laughter, and care. The attacker dressed like a police officer to enter both homes. All over Brooklyn Park the Police are searching for the shooter and People living nearby were asked to stay home for their stay safe. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Gentle Japanese hair growth method for men and women's scalp Hair's Rich Learn More Undo Police first got a call at 2 a.m. from Champlin about the Hoffmans being shot. Then at 3:35 a.m., another call came about a shooting at the Hortman's home. Police were already checking on the Hortman's house because it was close to the first shooting location, as mentioned in the reports by 5 Eyewitness News. Police tried to stop While checking the house, police met the shooter, who fired at them. Officers fired back but the shooter escaped. Melissa Hortman had been in the Minnesota House since 2004, and was Speaker from 2019 to 2025. She and her husband Mark had two children who are now surviving them, as per report. Live Events After her term ended, GOP Rep. Lisa Demuth became House Speaker in 2025, under a power-sharing deal in a tied legislature. Lisa Demuth said she was 'horrified and heartbroken' by the shooting and called the attack evil. She asked Minnesotans to pray for the victims and thanked law enforcement still trying to catch the attacker. Now, all Minnesota lawmakers are under protective custody for their safety, according to 5 Eyewitness News. FAQs Q1. Who was Melissa Hortman? She was a former Minnesota House Speaker and a longtime lawmaker. Q2. Why were they attacked? The Governor said it looks like a political attack, but it's still under investigation.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Brooklyn Park shooting: Major warning issued for ‘No Kings Day' protestors as Minnesota Democrats shot at homes
A madman who reportedly pretended to be a police officer shot two state lawmakers in Minnesota in their houses on Saturday. As the armed man is still at large, officials have issued a warning for the 'No Kings Day' protestors and other netizens. According to sources who spoke to 5 Eyewitness News, Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman was shot in her Brooklyn Park home, and Sen. John Hoffman, a fellow party member, was targeted in Champlin, some eight miles away. There have also been reports of that the Minnesota Democrats were shot along with their spouses A manhunt has been launched for the suspect, who was dressed in blue pants and a blue shirt with black body armor. According to BNO News, the violence started in John Hoffman's house at around 2 am. He was shot several times. The suspect later proceeded to Melissa Hortman's house. Authorities have not yet confirmed that the politicians were the victims of the incident, and it is still unclear how many people were injured. In a 5:30 a.m. emergency alert, Brooklyn Park Police stated that they were searching for "a dangerous and armed suspect" involved in multiple targeted shootings. 'Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement.' At 7 a.m., a second emergency alert was issued stating, "Do not approach and do not answer door unless two officers approach together," indicating that the suspect was dressed like a cop. People have been asked to call 911 to identify the officer identity first. Officers issued an order to shelter in place for the three miles around Melissa Hoffman's house, which is the Edinburgh Golf Course. Meanwhile, Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom took to X to confirm about the shooting. '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. I hope everyone comes out of this ok. I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok. My understanding is that its someone cos-playing as a officer and they haven't been caught,' Lindstrom wrote. 'For those going out to protest today please do it safely and if something looks off say something we do not need anyone else to get hurt.'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Minnesota lawmakers John Hoffman, Melissa Hortman shot: Gunman posed as police officer, targeted homes overnight; Statewide manhunt underway
Two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot overnight in what officials say were targeted attacks by a man impersonating a police officer, law enforcement sources confirmed. A manhunt is now underway across the Brooklyn Park and Champlin areas. According to FOX 9 and 5 Eyewitness News, Senator John Hoffman and Representative Melissa Hortman, both Democrats representing parts of Hennepin County, were shot in separate incidents at their homes. The condition of the lawmakers and their spouses remains unknown. The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a shelter-in-place alert around 5:30 a.m. for a three-mile radius near the Edinburgh Golf Course. The suspect is described as a white man with brown hair, dressed in black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. Authorities say he is armed, dangerous, and possibly impersonating law enforcement. 'We are looking for a suspect involved in multiple targeted shootings,' Brooklyn Park police said, cautioning residents not to answer their doors unless two officers are present or unless they've confirmed the officer's identity by calling 911. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Pelajari Undo Two active scenes were reported: one on Windsor Terrace North, about 2.5 miles from the golf course, and another on 109th Place in Champlin, roughly 7 miles away. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Brooklyn Park is leading the investigation. State response and local reactions Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed via X that he has activated the State Emergency Operations Center, saying: '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.' Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom also responded to the events, saying: 'My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families… Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok. My understanding is that it's someone cos-playing as an officer and they haven't been caught.' No arrests have been made so far. Residents are urged to remain indoors and report suspicious activity immediately to 911.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Meteorologist Wren Clair is out at KSTP-TV
Meteorologist Wren Clair has departed KSTP-TV. Her final day on the job was Wednesday. News director Kirk Varner confirmed the news: 'Wren Clair is no longer employed by KSTP-TV. We wish her the best with her next opportunity.' He declined to answer any questions and said the station typically doesn't comment on personnel matters. Attempts to reach Clair for comment Thursday were unsuccessful. The Hopkins native joined KSTP's weather team in June 2018. After chief meteorologist Dave Dahl retired in 2020, she took over as the primary evening meteorologist for '5 Eyewitness News.' Clair holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University, a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology degree from Mississippi State University and degrees in Chemistry and Anthropology from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, according to a now-deleted biography on KSTP's website. A member of the American Meteorological Society, Clair worked at stations in Rhinelander, Wis., and Boston, where she covered historic flooding in January 2018, before moving to KSTP. She also worked as a chemist for five years and was part of multiple publications, primarily related to organic synthesis. Clair has tutored math and science off and on since high school and has taught GED seeking students through Neighborhood House in the Wellstone Center. Wren has also spent time volunteering at Union Gospel Mission's dental clinic, as well as previously running the children's dental outreach program. Movies & TV | 'Watson' review: Sherlock's loyal sidekick takes center stage Movies & TV | What to stream: Set your calendar with these holiday-themed horror movies Movies & TV | Subscriptions to new Twins broadcast platform, now available Movies & TV | Aliens, sloths and silliness: Super Bowl ads offer laughs, celebs and surprises to win over viewers Movies & TV | Column: That show should have been a movie
