Minnesota Gov. Walz: State Lawmaker Killed in ‘Targeted Political Violence’/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edtion/ Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed at their home in a politically targeted attack by someone impersonating a police officer. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot in a separate incident but are expected to survive. Governor Walz condemned the violence, activated state emergency resources, and called for calm amid an ongoing manhunt.
Targeted Political Violence in Minnesota: Quick Facts
- Victims: Former speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed; Senator John Hoffman and his wife were hospitalized.
- Suspect disguised: Allegedly impersonated law enforcement and arrived in a fake squad-style SUV.
- Governor’s response: Tim Walz described the shootings as “targeted political violence” and launched an emergency response.
- Shelter-in-place: Orders issued near both attack sites in Brooklyn Park and Champlin.
- Law enforcement involvement: Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, local police, and the FBI leading the investigation.
- Public reaction: Calls for unity and condemnation from state and national leaders, including former Rep. Gabby Giffords.
- Political context: Incident comes amid increasing threats and attacks on political figures nationwide.
Deep Look
Horrific Day for Minnesota
In the early morning hours, Brooklyn Park home of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman became a crime scene after she and her husband were fatally shot. Just miles away in Champlin, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a second shooting. Governor Walz immediately described the attacks as “targeted political violence,” condemning the use of lethal force in political disputes.
Deceptive Attire and Vehicle
Authorities report the unknown assailant was dressed in black body armor over a blue shirt and pants, and used a vehicle equipped with police-style emergency lights. Law enforcement officials noted that the impersonation was a betrayal of public trust, exploiting the symbolic authority of police uniforms and vehicles.
Mobilizing State Resources
Governor Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center and established a Joint Information Center to maintain a coordinated response. Police from multiple jurisdictions were deployed, with shelter-in-place orders issued in affected areas as investigators scoured crime scenes for evidence and clues.
Political and Civic Outrage
State House Speaker Lisa Demuth described the killings as “evil” and urged Minnesotans to hold victims and first responders in their prayers. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a survivor of a kidnapping-style attack on a public figure, condemned the act as an assault on democracy and a dangerous escalation of political violence.
Broader Implications
The shootings occurred during a period of rising threats against public figures, intensifying concerns about the safety of elected officials and the chilling impact of escalated political rhetoric. The attack in Minnesota has triggered renewed calls for vigilance, unity, and nonviolent democratic discourse.
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