A representative of the State of Minnesota and her husband were shot dead, and a state senator and his wife were shot and wounded in an “act of directed political violence” in their homes early Saturday morning, said the governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz.
A human hunt is now underway for the gunman who was going through a police officer, authorities said.
The representative of the State of Minnesota, Melissa Hortman and the senator of the state of Minnesota, John Hoffman, are shown in these photos of files without date.
Chamber of Representatives of Minnesota | Minnesota Senate
State representative Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband were shot dead in what seems to be a “politically motivated murder,” Walz said at a press conference.
“She was a formidable public servant,” the governor said about her friend. “She is irreplaceable.”
State Senator John Hoffman, Democrat, and his wife were shot several times and underwent surgery, said the governor.
“We are cautiously optimistic that they will survive this murder attempt,” Walz said.
The governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, speaks at a press conference on the shooting of two state legislators, on June 14, 2025.
Minnesota Public Security Department
The two shooting places were about 8 miles away from each other in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, just north of Minneapolis.
Hoffman and his wife were shot around 2 in the morning in Champlin, said the Superintendent of the Office of Criminal Avenuals Drew Evans.
Two legislators of the State of Minnesota were triggered in apparent “directed” incidents, authorities said.
KSTP
After Hoffman was shot, the officers headed to proactively verify Hortman when they met the suspect from Hortman’s house, Evans said.
The officers found a person dressed as a police officer at the door, leaving the house, police said.
The suspect shot the officers; Shots were exchanged and the suspect could escape, authorities said.
Two legislators of the State of Minnesota were triggered in apparent “directed” incidents, authorities said.
KSTP
Hortman was the former president of the Chamber of Representatives of Minnesota.
The FBI is helping with human hunting, two sources familiar with the ABC News matter said.
The president of the National Democratic Committee, Ken Martin, formerly president of the Minnesota Democratic Party, said he is a friend of Hoffman and Hortman.
Martin wrote on social networks that he is “completely disconsolate” and “praying hard for both families.”
This is a development story. Consult the updates again.
