Two prominent Minnesota lawmakers were shot in separate, targeted attacks early Saturday morning, in what authorities believe may have been a coordinated assault by a suspect posing as a police officer.

State Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman, both Democrats, were attacked at their respective homes in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, suburbs north of Minneapolis. Hortman was killed in the shooting, while Senator Hoffman and his wife were critically wounded.

Timeline of the Attacks

The first incident occurred at around 2 a.m. on June 14, when a man reportedly dressed in police-style body armor entered Senator Hoffman’s home. Both Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times. Just minutes later, a second shooting occurred at Representative Melissa Hortman’s home, near the Edinburgh Golf Course, where she and her husband, Mark, were also shot. Hortman died at the scene.

By 5:30 a.m., police issued a shelter-in-place order for a 3-mile radius around the golf course in Brooklyn Park.

Who Are the Victims?

Senator John Hoffman
Hoffman, 59, represents District 34 and chairs the Human Services Committee. A long-serving legislator since 2013, he lives in Champlin with his wife and daughter.

Representative Melissa Hortman
Hortman, 54, had represented District 34B since 2005 and served as Speaker of the Minnesota House from 2019 to 2025. She was a prominent advocate for climate action, gun control, and transit expansion.

Suspect Description and Manhunt

Police are actively searching for a white male with brown hair, wearing:

• Black body armor

• Blue shirt

• Blue pants

The suspect may be impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to authorities. Residents have been urged not to answer doors unless two verified officers are present and to report sightings via 911.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI are now involved in the investigation.

Official Statements

Governor Tim Walz posted on X (formerly Twitter):

“I’ve been briefed this morning on the ongoing situation. The State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to support local response.”

Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom also responded:

“Any violence against public officials is unacceptable. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families.”

Motive and National Tension

While no motive has been confirmed, the attacks come on June 14, coinciding with:

• The 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army

• Planned “No Kings” protests across the nation

• President Donald Trump’s birthday

Authorities have not yet linked the shootings to these events, but concerns about political violence and anti-government sentiment are growing.

Community Guidance

Authorities are urging Minnesota residents to:

• Stay indoors and follow local alerts

• Report any sightings or suspicious behavior

• Verify law enforcement identities before allowing entry

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