Minnesota politically targeted shooting leaves 1 lawmaker dead, 1 wounded

(NewsNation) — One lawmaker and her husband were killed, and another and his wife were wounded in two politically motivated shootings in Minnesota on Saturday.

Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, just after 3:30 a.m. Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot around 2 a.m. at their residence in Champlain, Minnesota. Authorities said Hoffman and his wife are alive.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz described the shootings as a “tragic act.”

“The democracy and the debates in the halls of Congress, in state houses, in school boards, is a way to settle our differences peacefully and move society to a better place,” Walz said.

Authorities said the gunman was impersonating a police officer and was driving a vehicle that looked exactly like a police SUV. Brooklyn Park police encountered an individual who fired at them. There was an exchange of gunfire, then an individual escaped.

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“The suspect exploited the trust that our uniforms are meant to represent,” added Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us that wear the badge with honor and responsibility.”

In addition, A manifesto was found in the gunman’s car with several names on it, according to authorities.

“Those responsible for this will be held accountable,” said Walz. “Each and every one of us is committed to making sure a tragedy like this never repeats itself in Minnesota or across the country.”

The suspect remains on foot, and a manhunt is underway. Walz said he’s activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Residents of Brooklyn Park have also been urged to shelter in place.

Police are asking the people of Minnesota not to go to any public outings today. The gunman had a flier in his vehicle about the “No Kings” events in the state.

The FBI says they are working with their local and state partners in the search for the suspect.

Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. Hortman is the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004.