ST. PAUL, MN (WSAU) — Multiple reports indicate that two members of the Minnesota Legislature were targeted in separate early-morning shooting incidents at their homes.
State Senator John Hoffman of Champlin and House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman of Brooklyn Park were targeted by a gunman dressed as a law enforcement officer. Officials have confirmed that Hortman and her husband died from their injuries. Hoffman and his wife are being treated
The incident has prompted an emergency response from Governor Tim Walz, with local law enforcement and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension leading the investigation. The FBI is assisting.
Walz called the incident a “political assassination” during a Saturday morning news conference.
The shootings took place about eight miles apart. The suspect remais at large, and those in the area are being asked to shelter in place.
Both Hoffman and Hortman are members of the DFL, or Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, which is the name for the Democratic Party in Minnesota.
Representatives of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association released a statement via Facebook, saying “an evil coward dressed as a protector, went to the homes of two Minnesota elected officials and shot them.”
Comments