Latest news with #GovernorTimWalz
Malay Mail
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Political violence escalates in US as Minnesota lawmaker, husband killed
Minnesota, June 17 — From the pulpit on Sunday, Father Joe Whalen urged his parishioners to avoid the extreme partisanship and hatred that appeared to be behind the killing of Democratic Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman. It was a message Whalen felt his congregation needed to hear, even at the Catholic church where Hortman once taught Sunday school, and in a state known for the political civility of a bygone era. In his homily at the Church of St. Timothy, Whalen told his parish to adhere to the Christian message of peace and warned against responding to political discourse with unkindness or anger, especially when cloaked in anonymity online. 'We can choose all that by our words, by our thoughts, by our actions, or we can walk a different path, and we can invite the cycle of retribution,' Whalen said. 'We know what we need to do.' Whalen spoke one day after a gunman killed Hortman and her husband — a crime Governor Tim Walz described as a 'politically motivated assassination' — and shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The suspect, identified by police as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, remains at large. The shootings mark the most sustained period of political violence in the US since the 1970s. Reuters has documented more than 300 politically motivated violent acts since supporters of President Donald Trump attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021. Last summer, Trump, a Republican, survived two assassination attempts during his election campaign. In April, an assailant set fire to the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, a Democrat. Yet the shootings outside Minneapolis shocked many, arriving during days when protests over immigration roiled Los Angeles, a US senator was forcibly removed from a press conference, and a rare military parade rolled through Washington. Not only did the shootings highlight the spread of political violence, but they also took place in a state perceived by many as a haven of civility and bipartisanship, a stereotype captured in the phrase 'Minnesota nice'. While Minnesota leans blue in state-wide races, its legislature is evenly split between the parties, requiring compromise. Both Hortman and Hoffman were known for working across the aisle. 'Minnesota has a unique reputation, and I think it's somewhat merited. We have typically, at least politically, not been as excessive as other places,' said David Hann, former chairman of the state Republican Party. 'But I think that has changed.' Compromise in politics Several parishioners said the racial justice protests following George Floyd's 2020 murder, which included looting and violence, shattered any illusion of immunity from polarisation. 'The violence is here,' said Carolyn Breitbach, 81, after attending Sunday Mass. 'I think people are interested in their own agenda. They want to take things into their own hands and make things right.' One of Hortman's last acts as a legislator was a compromise. She cast the lone Democratic vote for a bill cutting healthcare benefits for adult undocumented immigrants — a provision her party opposed — to secure a state budget deal. Hortman, the Minnesota House's top Democrat, teared up as she explained her vote. Larry Kraft, a Democratic colleague, said he has seen rhetoric coarsen in recent years. 'How can it not? The discourse everywhere is becoming harsher and more partisan,' Kraft said. 'That said, I think we do a reasonable job in Minnesota of bridging that. We just did with the budget that we passed.' The 2024 election further heightened tensions in Minnesota. Then-candidate Trump and his allies targeted Walz, Vice President Kamala Harris's running mate, over Minnesota's expansions of abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. Harris won the state with 50.9 per cent of the vote to Trump's 46.7 per cent. However, Trump narrowed his margin of loss from 2020, signalling a shift to the right. The last Republican to win Minnesota was Richard Nixon in 1972. Trump condemned the Minnesota shootings but told ABC News on Sunday he had not called Walz, criticising him as a 'terrible governor' who was 'grossly incompetent.' Democratic state legislator Erin Koegel, a St. Timothy parishioner, accused Trump of fanning divisions. 'He's the one who is lighting a fire,' said Koegel, adding that she was disappointed her Republican colleagues in Minnesota were not 'stepping up to say that this isn't right.' White House comments White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson accused Democrats of exploiting the 'senseless tragedy' to 'blame President Trump — a survivor of two assassination attempts — who is unifying the country and making America safe again.' Koegel pointed to Hortman as a model politician, recalling how she tied committee leadership appointments to promises of civility. 'That was something she always preached,' Koegel said. 'Even with divisive issues for debate on the floor, she always reminded us not to be angry or mean. We need to debate civilly.' — Reuters
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Manhunt after Dem lawmakers were targeted in their homes by gunman
A Minnesota lawmaker was killed and another wounded early Saturday in what authorities believe were targeted attacks at the homes of Democratic state officials. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed when a gunman impersonating a police officer arrived at their Brooklyn Park home at around 3.35 am, Governor Tim Walz revealed during a press briefing. 'We're here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded,' Walz said. 'State Representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat , was assassinated, and her husband Mark was also killed.' State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times at their Champlin home. Both underwent surgery and remain in critical condition, Walz said. Local police, sheriff's deputies, and the FBI have launched a frantic manhunt but the shooters remain at large. At a Saturday morning press conference, officials said neither of the gunmen are in custody, but several 'people of interest' have been brought in for questioning. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect's vehicle contained a 'manifesto' and a list of targets, including both lawmakers, according to The New York Times. The first shooting occurred just after 2am at Hoffman's home in Champlin, about 20 miles from Minneapolis. Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times, KSTP reported. The second attack took place at around 4am at Hortman's Brooklyn Park residence, eight miles south. After that shooting, police engaged one of the suspects in a gunfight on the street, officials said. Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed that the suspect escaped during the exchange and is still on the run. Authorities believe the two incidents are connected and involve a suspect posing as law enforcement. Walz addressed the situation on social media, condemning the 'targeted attacks,' and adding that he is activating the State Emergency Operations Center as police launch an urgent manhunt. '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.' Police described the suspect as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place order around 5:30 am, later expanding it to a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course. Another emergency alert was issued around 7 am, advising residents to only open their doors if two officers are present and to call 911 to verify any officer's identity. 'Police are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous,' the alert stated. 'Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement.' The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office confirmed that an investigation is underway and Brooklyn Park is the lead agency. Authorities yet to confirm whether the lawmakers were the intended targets or if the attacks were politically motivated. Meanwhile, other Minnesota state officials have taken to social media to share their reactions and updates about the ongoing incident. '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,' Mounds View Mayor, Zach Lindstrom wrote on X. '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.' Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote on X: 'This is a stunning act of violence. I'm thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service.' Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, now the head of national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, said in a statement on Saturday that she is 'horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants.' '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,' Giffords, who was one of 13 people wounded in an Arizona supermarket parking lot in 2011, added.
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
US state politician and husband killed in ‘targeted' attacks on two Democrats
A US politician and her husband have been killed in a politically motivated shooting, according to a state governor. Governor Tim Walz said a second state politician, senator John Hoffman, was also wounded in the 'targeted' attack in Minnesota on Saturday. Advertisement Minnesota mayor Ryan Sabas said Mr Hoffman and state representative Ms Hortman were shot, and that Mr Hoffman's wife was also shot. 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 A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that investigators believe that the suspect may have been posing as a law enforcement officer. The person said investigators were still working to establish motive for the attacks. Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. Advertisement A police officer sets up a perimeter with police tape near the scene of the shooting (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP) 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. Ms Hortman is the top House Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004, is a lawyer and married with two children. Both Mr Hoffman and Ms Hortman represent districts located north of Minneapolis. Advertisement
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Two US politicians and their spouses shot in ‘targeted' attacks on homes
A US mayor says two state politicians were shot in their homes. Minnesota mayor Ryan Sabas of Champlin said state senator John Hoffman and state representative Melissa Hortman were shot, and that Mr Hoffman's wife was also shot. A person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that investigators believe that the suspect may have been posing as a law enforcement officer. 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 The person said investigators were still working to establish motive for the attacks and were still in the early stages of an investigation. Governor Tim Walz said the shooting was targeted. Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He 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. Ms Hortman is the top House Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004. Ms Hortman, a lawyer, is married and has two children. Both Mr Hoffman and Ms Hortman represent districts located north of Minneapolis.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Shooting outside Wayzata HS graduation at Mariucci Arena: 2 victims, suspect in custody
The Brief A shooting at the Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus left one person in custody Friday night. The Wayzata High School graduation commencement was taking place during the time it occurred. It's still unclear exactly where the incident occurred, and the extent of any injuries. MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - A shooting injured two people outside Mariucci Arena on the University of Minnesota campus Friday night during the Wayzata High School graduation ceremony. One suspect is in custody. What we know According to the University of Minnesota Police Department, at approximately 8:20 p.m. Friday, May 30, a shooting occurred outside Mariucci Arena following the Wayzata graduation ceremony. UMPD responded to the scene, and paramedics transported two victims to Hennepin County Medical Center. Their condition is unknown at this time. One suspect is in custody, and police do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the area. What we don't know As of late Friday night, we don't know if the victims or suspect are at all connected to the Wayzata High School graduation ceremony. What they're saying In a social media post, U of M Regent James Farnsworth called the incident "very disturbing and scary" while updating that people with knowledge of the situation "don't believe any students were harmed." Governor Tim Walz has also weighed in, saying on social media, "As officials take the suspect into custody, I'm praying for the injured. We're in touch with UMN public safety, and the state stands ready to help in any way we can." What's next This is an active UMPD investigation with the assistance of the Minneapolis Police Department and the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
