Rep. Melissa Hortman Killed in Political Attack, State in Mourning

Rep. Melissa Hortman Killed in Political Attack, State in Mourning \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman was fatally shot in a politically motivated attack in her home. She was a pivotal Democratic leader known for guiding major liberal policies and bipartisan budget deals. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and injured in a separate, coordinated attack.

Quick Looks

• Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed by a suspect impersonating law enforcement.
• Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and injured in a separate but linked attack.
• Hortman was a key Democratic leader in the Minnesota House, serving since 2004.
• She helped pass landmark progressive legislation and brokered crucial bipartisan budget deals.
• The Minnesota House was evenly split until Hortman’s death, intensifying political tensions.
• Her work on education, healthcare, energy, and equity policies defined her leadership.
• The attack stunned the state and led to heightened security across Minnesota politics.
• Tributes poured in from both sides of the aisle, reflecting her impact and bipartisan respect.

Deep Look

The state of Minnesota is in mourning following the shocking death of Rep. Melissa Hortman, a seasoned Democratic lawmaker and former House speaker, who was fatally shot early Saturday in her suburban Minneapolis home. The attack, carried out by a suspect posing as law enforcement, also claimed the life of her husband, Mark Hortman, and left the political world stunned. Just minutes away, a second coordinated shooting targeted state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were wounded in their home.

Authorities are investigating the attacks as acts of targeted political violence. Governor Tim Walz called the killings “an assault on democracy,” and lawmakers from both parties have expressed outrage and grief over the unprecedented attack in a state long known for its political civility.

Melissa Hortman, 55, was a trailblazing figure in Minnesota politics. She served as House Democratic leader for nine years and was Speaker of the House from 2019 through 2023. She led House Democrats during some of the most transformative legislative years in recent memory, guiding bills that expanded reproductive rights, increased support for working families, and addressed climate change.

Her leadership was marked by both conviction and compromise. In 2023, with Democrats in control of the Legislature and governor’s office, Hortman helped push through one of the most ambitious progressive agendas in state history. The package included universal school lunches, paid family leave, expanded healthcare access, and protections for LGBTQ+ rights. She was known for her command of policy and her strategic acumen in shepherding complex legislation through a politically divided chamber.

After the 2024 election left the House evenly split at 67-67, Hortman continued to play a critical role. Despite partisan gridlock and mounting tensions, she negotiated a bipartisan budget deal to keep the state government funded. She was the only Democrat to vote in favor of a crucial part of that agreement, demonstrating her willingness to act in the state’s interest even at political cost.

“She wasn’t only a leader — she was a damn good legislator, and Minnesotans everywhere will suffer because of this loss,” said Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, a longtime friend and former state party chair.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who campaigned alongside Hortman early in her political career, described her as “a true public servant to the core.” Attorney General Keith Ellison echoed those sentiments, calling her “tough, kind, and the best of us.”

Born in Minnesota and trained as a lawyer, Hortman began her legislative career in 2004 after two unsuccessful campaigns. Her district, based in Brooklyn Park, reflected the working-class roots and diverse communities she consistently championed. She proposed laws promoting clean energy, consumer safety, and public health, including mercury bans and emission standards similar to California’s.

Sen. John Hoffman, 60, who was injured in the second attack, is another key figure in the state’s Democratic leadership. As chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, Hoffman oversaw one of the largest portions of the state budget. He had a background in nonprofit service and public administration, with a focus on disability rights and healthcare access. In 2023, he supported expanding the MinnesotaCare health program to undocumented immigrants, and last year, he introduced a constitutional amendment to fund long-term care by taxing high-income earners.

The motive behind the attacks remains under investigation, but early reports suggest the assailant may have targeted these lawmakers specifically for their political views and legislative work. The events have shaken the state’s political establishment and sparked urgent conversations about security for elected officials.

In a state where partisan divides have deepened but civility has largely prevailed, the killings mark a dark turning point. Tributes continue to pour in from across the political spectrum, unified in grief and in admiration for Rep. Hortman’s service.

“She knew how to stand firm on her values but understood the importance of teamwork and compromise,” Ellison said. “She never backed down from hard choices.”

As Minnesota and the nation reflect on this tragedy, Hortman’s legislative achievements and unwavering commitment to public service will remain central to her enduring legacy.

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