On the morning of June 14, 2025, Minnesota was shaken by a horrifying act of targeted political violence that left State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, critically injured. The attacks, described by Governor Tim Walz as a “politically motivated assassination,” have sparked a massive manhunt for a suspect who impersonated a police officer to carry out the shootings.
The Attacks Unfold
The violence began around 2 a.m. in Champlin, a suburb of Minneapolis, when police responded to a call reporting that Senator John Hoffman and his wife had been shot multiple times at their home. Both were rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism about their survival. Just over an hour later, at 3:35 a.m., Brooklyn Park police proactively checked on Representative Melissa Hortman’s home, located about five miles away. There, they encountered a suspect dressed as a police officer, complete with a badge, tactical vest, and a vehicle equipped with emergency lights resembling a police SUV.
The suspect opened fire on the officers, who returned gunfire, but the individual escaped on foot after retreating through Hortman’s home. Inside, police discovered Hortman’s husband, Mark, with gunshot wounds; despite attempts at first aid, he was pronounced dead. A drone search later confirmed that Melissa Hortman had also been killed. Authorities found a list of other lawmakers and officials in the suspect’s vehicle, indicating a broader plan to target public figures. Security has been heightened for those named on the list.
A Suspect on the Run
The suspect, described as a White man with brown hair wearing a blue shirt, blue pants, and a black tactical vest, remains at large. Brooklyn Park is under a shelter-in-place order, and police have urged residents not to open their doors to lone individuals claiming to be officers, emphasizing that legitimate officers are working in pairs. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, alongside federal agencies like the FBI and ATF, is leading an extensive manhunt. Several individuals have been detained for questioning, but no one is in custody.
Police also recovered “No Kings” protest flyers from the suspect’s vehicle, prompting authorities to advise against attending planned political demonstrations, including one scheduled at the Minnesota State Capitol. Governor Walz emphasized caution, stating, “Minnesotans should not attend any political rallies until the suspect is caught.”
Melissa Hortman: A Legacy of Service
Melissa Hortman, 55, was a towering figure in Minnesota politics. A Democrat representing House District 34B, she served as Speaker of the Minnesota House and was known for her leadership in advancing policies like free school lunches, protecting reproductive rights, and supporting Minnesota families. Governor Walz called her “a formidable public servant” and “irreplaceable,” while Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin, a close friend, described her as “the very best Speaker of the House that Minnesota has ever had.” Hortman’s death, along with her husband’s, has been mourned as a profound loss to the state.
John Hoffman: Fighting for Recovery
Senator John Hoffman, 60, represents Senate District 34 and has been a dedicated public servant since 2012. As chair of the Human Services Committee, he focused on issues like energy, environment, and health. He and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times but are out of surgery and receiving care. Their survival remains a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy.
A Nation Responds
The shootings have drawn national attention, with President Donald Trump condemning the “horrific violence” and pledging that the FBI and Attorney General Pam Bondi will pursue justice. House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed this sentiment, stating, “Such horrific political violence has no place in our society.” Governor Walz emphasized the importance of peaceful discourse, noting Minnesota’s recent bipartisan compromise in a closely divided legislature as proof that democracy can thrive without violence.
A Call to End Political Violence
The attacks come at a time when political violence is a growing concern in the United States, though surveys, like one from the University of Chicago, show most Americans reject such acts. Ken Martin called the shootings a reflection of “extremism and political violence that have been fomented in our country,” urging a renewed commitment to the values Hortman championed: kindness, justice, and compassion. “If this murderer thinks we will be silenced, he’s wrong,” Martin declared.
As Minnesota grapples with this dark day, the manhunt continues, and communities are urged to remain vigilant. The loss of Melissa Hortman and the injuries to John Hoffman serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of democracy and the need to stand united against violence.
