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.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul continued his urgent Middle East tour with stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as Berlin seeks to help de-escalate the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Azerbaijan will not permit any country to use its territory to strike a third party, including Iran, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov tells his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday.
At least 100 people were killed in an overnight attack by gunmen in the town of Yelwata, in Nigeria’s Benue State, according to Amnesty International.
Millions of Israelis are taking cover as air raid sirens sound across the country following a coordinated wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran and Yemen, according to the Israeli military. Twelve people were injured.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering Ankara’s support to prevent the escalation between Israel and Iran.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul continued his urgent Middle East tour with stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as Berlin seeks to help de-escalate the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Azerbaijan will not permit any country to use its territory to strike a third party, including Iran, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov tells his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday.
At least 100 people were killed in an overnight attack by gunmen in the town of Yelwata, in Nigeria’s Benue State, according to Amnesty International.
Millions of Israelis are taking cover as air raid sirens sound across the country following a coordinated wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran and Yemen, according to the Israeli military. Twelve people were injured.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering Ankara’s support to prevent the escalation between Israel and Iran.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 8th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Presidential candidate Miguel Uribe Turbay is in critical condition after being shot three times — including twice in the head — during a campaign event in Bogotá.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has condemned U.S. immigration raids and National Guard deployment in Los Angeles, calling for reforms instead of enforcement.
The UK is sending extra Royal Air Force jets to the Middle East to support potential crisis situations, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed during his G7 trip to Canada.
Vietnam officially joined BRICS as its 10th partner country, announced the Brazilian Foreign Ministry.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul continued his urgent Middle East tour with stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as Berlin seeks to help de-escalate the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.
At least 100 people were killed in an overnight attack by gunmen in the town of Yelwata, in Nigeria’s Benue State, according to Amnesty International.
Millions of Israelis are taking cover as air raid sirens sound across the country following a coordinated wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran and Yemen, according to the Israeli military. Twelve people were injured.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul continued his urgent Middle East tour with stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as Berlin seeks to help de-escalate the growing conflict between Iran and Israel.
Azerbaijan will not permit any country to use its territory to strike a third party, including Iran, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov tells his Iranian counterpart Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday.
At least 100 people were killed in an overnight attack by gunmen in the town of Yelwata, in Nigeria’s Benue State, according to Amnesty International.
Millions of Israelis are taking cover as air raid sirens sound across the country following a coordinated wave of missile and drone attacks from Iran and Yemen, according to the Israeli military. Twelve people were injured.
Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks with U.S. President Donald Trump, offering Ankara’s support to prevent the escalation between Israel and Iran.
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