Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Attack; Senator John Hoffman and Wife Injured
Assailant impersonating police officer targets Democratic officials in politically motivated shootings; manhunt underway
On June 14, 2025, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home.
Earlier that morning, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were wounded in a similar attack at their residence in Champlin.
Both incidents are under investigation as politically motivated assaults.
Authorities report that the suspect impersonated a police officer, donning a uniform and driving a vehicle resembling a law enforcement SUV. At approximately 2:00 a.m. CDT, police responded to a shooting at the Hoffmans' home, where both victims sustained gunshot wounds.
Around 3:35 a.m., officers arrived at the Hortman residence and encountered gunfire from an individual matching the suspect's description.
The assailant fled the scene after a brief exchange with law enforcement.
A search of the suspect's abandoned vehicle revealed a manifesto listing names of political figures, including Hortman and Hoffman, suggesting premeditated targeting.
Flyers associated with the 'No Kings' protest movement were also discovered.
The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.
He remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the attacks as acts of targeted political violence and activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents in the affected areas, and the public was advised to verify the identity of any law enforcement personnel before opening their doors.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Melissa Hortman, 55, had served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2004 and was previously the Speaker of the House.
John Hoffman, 60, has been a member of the Minnesota Senate since 2012. Both were affiliated with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
The condition of Senator Hoffman and his wife is reported as stable following surgical treatment.
National leaders, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the violence.
The investigation continues as law enforcement agencies work to apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of public officials.
Earlier that morning, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were wounded in a similar attack at their residence in Champlin.
Both incidents are under investigation as politically motivated assaults.
Authorities report that the suspect impersonated a police officer, donning a uniform and driving a vehicle resembling a law enforcement SUV. At approximately 2:00 a.m. CDT, police responded to a shooting at the Hoffmans' home, where both victims sustained gunshot wounds.
Around 3:35 a.m., officers arrived at the Hortman residence and encountered gunfire from an individual matching the suspect's description.
The assailant fled the scene after a brief exchange with law enforcement.
A search of the suspect's abandoned vehicle revealed a manifesto listing names of political figures, including Hortman and Hoffman, suggesting premeditated targeting.
Flyers associated with the 'No Kings' protest movement were also discovered.
The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.
He remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the attacks as acts of targeted political violence and activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the response.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents in the affected areas, and the public was advised to verify the identity of any law enforcement personnel before opening their doors.
Federal agencies, including the FBI, are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
Melissa Hortman, 55, had served in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2004 and was previously the Speaker of the House.
John Hoffman, 60, has been a member of the Minnesota Senate since 2012. Both were affiliated with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
The condition of Senator Hoffman and his wife is reported as stable following surgical treatment.
National leaders, including President Donald Trump, have condemned the violence.
The investigation continues as law enforcement agencies work to apprehend the suspect and ensure the safety of public officials.
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