Minnesota shooter had 'manifesto' naming lawmakers, fled in cop-style SUV
Governor Tim Walz called the shootings a "politically motivated assassination" and confirmed that Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while Senator John Hoffman was wounded.
In Short
- Manifesto found in suspect's vehicle naming other lawmakers
- Suspect wore police uniform, used SUV with emergency lights
- Governor Tim Walz called it a politically motivated assassination
A manifesto identifying numerous lawmakers and public officials as potential targets was found in the vehicle of the suspect who shot and killed Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounded State Senator John Hoffman, Reuters quoted Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Police Chief as saying.
Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect fled through the back of Representative Hortman's home following a gunfire exchange with officers.
Bruley added that the suspect was dressed in what appeared to be a police uniform and was driving an SUV outfitted with emergency lights, closely resembling an actual squad car.
According to local media reports, the shootings occurred in the early hours of Saturday at the lawmakers' homes in the Minneapolis suburbs of Brooklyn Park and Champlin.
Governor Tim Walz called the shootings a "politically motivated assassination" and confirmed that Representative Hortman and her husband were killed, while Senator Hoffman was wounded.
"An unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota - my good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination," he told reporters.
"Our state lost a great leader," he added.
"We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Walz said during a press conference, adding that those responsible "will be held accountable".
Walz said that in a second attack, Senator John Hoffman and his wife, of Champlin, were shot multiple times, underwent surgery and that he was "cautiously optimistic" that they would survive "this assassination attempt".
US Senator Amy Klobuchar described the attack as a "stunning act of violence", saying in a post on X that her prayers were with the Hortman and Hoffman families. "Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service," she wrote.
Authorities urged residents of Brooklyn Park and Champlin to stay indoors as law enforcement continued searching for the suspect, who escaped after an exchange of gunfire with police. Investigators are still working to determine the motive and have not disclosed the suspect's identity.
US President Donald Trump condemned the incident, adding that the FBI was on the ground helping with the investigation.
"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, a truly great place!" he said.