• Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home by a gunman posing as a police officer in a politically motivated attack.
• Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot at their nearby home; both survived and are recovering in the hospital after surgery.
• The suspect, wearing fake police gear, is still at large, prompting a statewide manhunt and heightened security for public officials.

In a horrific act that has left Minnesota reeling, a well-known state politician and her husband were brutally gunned down in their home early Saturday morning. Just minutes later, another lawmaker and his wife were shot and seriously wounded in what authorities are calling a “politically motivated” rampage. The shooter, dressed as a police officer, remains on the run.

Chilling Political Violence Shocks Minnesota: Lawmaker and Husband Killed, Another Couple Wounded in Ruthless Ambush

The tragedy began around 2 a.m. in Brooklyn Park, a quiet Minneapolis suburb. Melissa Hortman, a respected member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party and former Speaker of the House, was at home with her husband Mark when an armed man posing as a police officer arrived at their doorstep. Moments later, both were shot—Mark dying as officers tried to save him, Melissa found dead at the scene.

Five miles away in Champlin, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were next. The couple was ambushed in their own home, both struck by multiple bullets. First responders rushed them into emergency surgery, and while their condition remains serious, doctors report they are stable.

A Cold, Calculated Deception

The suspect used a cruel trick to gain access—impersonating law enforcement with chilling accuracy. According to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley, the gunman pulled up in an SUV fitted with emergency lights and stepped out in full tactical gear. He wore a bulletproof vest, a badge, and even carried a Taser—giving every appearance of a real officer.

“The suspect looked just like one of us,” said Chief Bruley. “He used the power and trust of the badge to walk right into these homes.”

When real officers arrived at the Hortman residence, they confronted the suspect. Gunfire erupted. The impostor fired first, retreating back into the home as bullets flew. Despite a direct encounter, he somehow slipped away into the dark, armed and dangerous.

A manhunt is now underway across the region. Police describe the suspect as a white male with brown hair, dressed in black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. Officials have warned that he may still be masquerading as a cop and urged the public not to approach him.

Neighborhood on Edge, Police Scramble for Leads

Following the deadly rampage, authorities issued a shelter-in-place order within a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course, not far from the Hortman home. The early morning alert rattled thousands of residents.

“This is the kind of thing you never think will happen in your community,” said local resident Tina Moore, who lives just blocks away from the scene. “To know someone went door to door with that much hate—it’s terrifying.”

As investigators scour the area and review surveillance footage, Governor Tim Walz addressed the state in a somber press conference. He called the attack “an unspeakable tragedy” and said the evidence points to an attempted political assassination.

“These weren’t random acts of violence,” Walz said. “This was a direct attack on democracy—on public servants who gave their lives to this state.”

Community Grieves, Lawmakers Rally

The deaths of Melissa and Mark Hortman have sent shockwaves through Minnesota’s political world. Melissa, known for her fiery commitment to justice and her trailblazing role in state government, was admired across party lines. Mark, her husband of more than 25 years, was often seen at her side, quietly supporting her public career.

“She was one of the strongest voices in our legislature,” said State Rep. Marla Stone. “Melissa stood up for women, for working families, and for truth. Her voice was silenced in the most brutal way imaginable.”

Senator Hoffman, now recovering in hospital, is described by colleagues as “a fighter.” The Hoffmans, according to family friends, were planning a quiet weekend before their world was shattered.

As tributes poured in, so too did fear.

Several lawmakers have now requested added security. Extra patrols have been assigned to the homes of elected officials in the region, while legislative leaders discuss emergency safety protocols.

“This is not just an attack on two families,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “It’s an attack on every one of us who believes in civil service and peaceful disagreement.”

A Dangerous New Reality

While political tensions have been rising across the nation, few expected it to come to this—cold-blooded violence in people’s own homes. Analysts warn this could be the start of a frightening trend if action isn’t taken.

“This wasn’t someone ranting on social media,” said former FBI profiler Liz Whelan. “This was someone who meticulously planned how to get close to their targets by imitating the very institution we trust to protect us.”

So far, no group has claimed responsibility, and authorities are withholding the name of the suspect, though they say they are “very close” to identifying him. The FBI and federal marshals have now joined the investigation.

As daylight breaks over a shaken Minnesota, families are hugging each other a little tighter. The Capitol flags are flying at half-mast. And across the political spectrum, there’s one unified message: this violence cannot become the new normal.

What Comes Next?

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, especially those with security cameras near the two crime scenes. Investigators believe the shooter may have had prior contact with at least one of the victims, though details remain scarce.

As the community mourns and prays for the Hoffmans’ recovery, questions linger: Why were these two families chosen? How was this man able to convincingly impersonate law enforcement? And—most urgently—where is he now?

For now, Minnesota holds its breath. What began as a summer weekend has turned into a nightmare. One that won’t end until justice is done.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as new information becomes available.