A wave of shock and grief has swept through Minnesota following the fatal shooting of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “targeted political attack.”
Confirming the incident in a press briefing on Saturday, Governor Walz said Hortman, a Democratic lawmaker, and her husband were killed at their residence by a gunman believed to be impersonating a law enforcement officer.
“It was an act of targeted political violence,” Walz said. “Melissa and her husband lost their lives in an attack on their home. It’s a devastating loss for the state of Minnesota.”
In a separate but related incident, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times in what authorities believe is a connected attack.
“Hoffman and his wife were each shot multiple times,” Walz disclosed. “They are out of surgery, and I’m cautiously optimistic that they will survive this assassination attempt.”
According to ABC News, Governor Walz assured that both state and federal authorities are working together on the investigation. “State and federal agencies are collaborating on a full investigation, and those responsible will be held accountable,” he said.
According to Mark Bruley, the Brooklyn Park Police Chief, officers were initially dispatched to Senator Hoffman’s home following reports of gunfire. After responding to the scene, a police sergeant went to check on Representative Hortman’s residence.
“When we arrived at Hortman’s home, we encountered what looked like a legitimate police SUV with blue lights flashing. A man stepped out of the house wearing a vest, a taser, and a badge. No doubt, if they were in this room, you would assume they were a police officer,” Bruley told reporters.
However, the individual was not a member of the police force.
“When confronted, the suspect opened fire on the officers and then retreated into the home,” Bruley explained. “He was impersonating law enforcement.”
A massive manhunt is now underway across Brooklyn Park and surrounding areas.
“We have thousands of people sheltered in place in the city of Brooklyn Park right now,” Bruley said. “Hundreds of officers, including SWAT teams, are involved in the ongoing search. Several individuals have been detained and questioned, but no one is currently in custody.”
In Washington, President Donald Trump expressed outrage over the incident and offered condolences to the victims and their families.
In a statement released by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X, Trump said, “I’ve been briefed on the terrible shooting in Minnesota, and it appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers.”
“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; it is a truly great place!”
The killings have sparked widespread condemnation and concern over the safety of elected officials in the United States. As investigations continue, the motive behind the attacks remains unclear.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
