Two dead after Minnesota Dems tragically ‘targeted’ by gunman

A Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and her husband are dead after being targeted early Saturday morning by an unidentified gunman.

The suspect, a “white man with brown hair wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue” according to local news reports, shot Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman and their spouses in their home. The incident took place early Saturday morning in Champlin, Minnesota, and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, prompting Governor Tim Walz to activate a State Emergency Operations Center.

The locations are approximately eight miles away from each other.

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

“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,” he wrote in a social media post.

An update provided Saturday morning tragically noted the passing of Hortman and her husband.

BREAKING: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirms that both Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot an killed early this morning in a “politically motivated” attack. John Hoffman and his wife are both out of surgery and doctors remain optimistically hopeful for their recovery. pic.twitter.com/nS5elAwoc0

— Amee Vanderpool (@girlsreallyrule) June 14, 2025

“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,” Walz said during a press conference.

“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service. She was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable, and will be missed by so many. Minnesota’s thoughts and prayers are with her family, her loved ones, her children and her parents,” he added.

It is believed that the suspect is attempting to impersonate law enforcement. Residents are being advised to avoid contact with the suspect and call 911 if they have any information, and to not answer their doors for the police unless there are two officers on scene.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she is monitoring the “targeted attack” in a post on X.

I am closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners.

This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the…

— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) June 14, 2025

“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. My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families. I hope everyone comes out of this ok. I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok,” said Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom in a statement. “Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok. My understanding is that it’s someone cosplaying as an officer and they haven’t been caught. For those going out to protest today, please do it safely and if something looks off, say something. We do not need anyone else to get hurt.”