BROOKLYN PARK, USA — Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed early Saturday, June 14, 2025, in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “targeted act of political violence” that has shocked the state and prompted a sweeping manhunt.
Hortman, 55, a longtime Democratic lawmaker and attorney, was killed in her home in Brooklyn Park, a Minneapolis suburb.
Her husband, Mark, was also fatally shot.
Hours earlier, in a related incident, State Senator John Hoffman, 60, and his wife were shot multiple times in their Champlin home.
Both remain hospitalised after undergoing surgery.
Governor Walz, speaking at an emergency press briefing, said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the Hoffmans’ recovery.
He described Hortman as “a great leader” and “the dearest of friends,” adding: “She woke up every day determined to make the state a better place.”
Authorities said the suspect in both attacks was impersonating a police officer, using a uniform, badge, and a vehicle outfitted with emergency lights to gain access to the victims’ homes.
“This individual manipulated trust in law enforcement — a trust our communities depend on,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley.
“The suspect was dressed in what appeared to be a legitimate police uniform, and drove a vehicle resembling a squad car.”
Police responded to the first incident in Champlin around 2:00 a.m. and received a second call at 3:35 a.m. while conducting a welfare check at Hortman’s residence.
Officers reportedly exchanged gunfire with the suspect at the Brooklyn Park scene, but he escaped.
Authorities believe the suspect is now travelling on foot.
Champlin Police have said the suspect or suspects remain at large, but added that there is no ongoing threat to the general public.
Nevertheless, residents within a 4.8-kilometre radius of Edinburgh Golf Course have been ordered to shelter in place.
Officials are urging caution, advising residents not to open their doors to anyone claiming to be a police officer unless at least two officers are present.
The FBI, SWAT teams, and hundreds of officers have joined the manhunt.
Bob Jacobson, Minnesota’s commissioner of public safety, called the attacks “cowardly” and “deeply disturbing.”
“This suspect used the uniform — a symbol of public trust — to carry out violence,” Jacobson said.
“It is a dark day for Minnesota, but we will not allow fear or violence to define who we are.”
In response, Governor Walz has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the state’s response.
Security has been increased for elected officials and public servants across the state.
Zach Lindstrom, mayor of Mounds View, confirmed that officials have received safety alerts.
Tributes have poured in for Hortman, who served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2004 and was Speaker from 2019 until earlier this year.
She was known for her work on women’s rights, environmental policy, and education access.
In 2020, following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, she became a leading voice for police reform and helped pass legislation banning the use of chokeholds in Minnesota law enforcement.
“Melissa Hortman was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota,” Walz said.
“We don’t settle our differences with violence or gunpoint in the state of Minnesota.”
US Senator Amy Klobuchar also praised Hortman’s legacy in a statement, highlighting her role in protecting women’s rights, promoting clean energy, and securing free school lunches.
Melissa and Mark Hortman are survived by their two children.
The investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have been named publicly.
Authorities are expected to brief the media as new developments emerge.
