Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. A second lawmaker, state Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were wounded in the attack.
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a politically motivated shooting, Governor Tim Walz announced Saturday. State Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were shot and remain hospitalized with injuries.
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said during a press conference. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
Hoffman, first elected in 2012, serves as a state senator and runs a consulting firm. He previously was vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, overseeing Minnesota’s largest school district. He is married with one daughter.
Hortman, who represented districts north of Minneapolis along with Hoffman, was the top House Democratic leader and a former House speaker, first elected in 2004. The couple succumbed to their injuries, according to Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Authorities said the suspect was disguised as a law enforcement officer, exploiting public trust in uniformed officials. Public Safety Commissioner Bob Johnson condemned the betrayal, stating, “That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility.”
The shootings come amid increasing attacks and intimidation against political leaders nationwide amid rising political divisions.
Gabrielle Giffords, former congresswoman and gun violence prevention advocate who survived a 2011 assassination attempt, issued a statement condemning the violence.
“I am horrified and heartbroken by last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants,” Giffords said. “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing as officials search for the suspect.
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