In the early hours of June 14, 2025, Minnesota was shaken by a politically motivated assassination, when Melissa Hortman, former Minnesota House Speaker and current House DFL leader, and her husban Mark Hortman were gunned down in their Brooklyn Park home. A few hours earlier, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot in their Champlin residence. Both survived and are recovering after surgery.
The assailant, disguised as a police officer and driving a replica of police SUV outfitted with flashing lights, entered the Horton home around 3:35 a.m. CDT, proceeding to open fire on Melissa and Mark. Police responded swiftly, engaging in a shootout with the suspect before he fled the scene on foot.
Earlier, around 2 a.m., the same gunman targeted Senator Hoffman’s home. Both he and his wife sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were hospitalized but are expected to recover, with hospital officials reporting cautious optimism.
Law enforcement discovered a manifesto in the suspect’s vehicle, listing targeted lawmakers including Hortman and Hoffman highlighting the premeditated nature of the attack. Governor Tim Walz described the events as an “unspeakable tragedy” and affirmed they constitute an act of ” targeted political violence.” He activated the State Emergency Operations Center and pledged full support to investigators.
Brooklyn Park authorities instituted a shelter in a place order covering a three mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course, underlining the danger posed by an armed suspect impersonating police. Residents were urged to verify credentials and report suspicious activity immediately.
The FBI, ATF, and state and local agencies are actively searching for the suspect, described as a white male wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants, posing a law enforcement at both crimes scenes.
Tributes poured in for the former House Speaker. Governor Walz praised her service, stating, “Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends,” while House Speaker Lisa Demuth called the shooting and “evil attack” and urged citizens to lift the victims in prayer. National figures, including Senator Amy Klobuchar and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, condemned the violence and stressed protection for public servants is paramount.
As the manhunt continues, the shootings of Melissa Hortman stand as a stark reminder of the rising political violence in the United States. Authorities are urging vigilance as they race to apprehend the suspect and ensure public safety.
