A chilling sequence of attacks has rocked Minnesota’s political landscape, sparking fear, grief, and a statewide investigation.
The State of Minnesota is reeling from a deadly attack that claimed the life of a long-serving public official. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home. Authorities believe the killings were politically motivated.
Governor Tim Walz announced the news at a press conference, describing the attack as “what appears to be a politically motivated assassination.” But the Hortmans weren’t the only victims. Earlier that morning, Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also targeted. Both were shot multiple times but survived following emergency surgeries.
“The Hoffmans are out of surgery at this time and receiving care,” said Gov. Walz. “We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.” The two lawmakers were members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer-Labor Party.
The attacks began shortly after 2 a.m. when a 911 call reported gunshots at the home of State Senator John Hoffman. Officers rushed to the scene, where they found Hoffman and his wife critically wounded. Emergency responders provided life-saving aid before transporting the couple to the hospital for surgery.
Less than two hours later, concern for Rep. Hortman led police to conduct a welfare check at her residence in Brooklyn Park. As officers arrived, they noticed a police cruiser in the driveway and a man dressed as an officer stepping out of the house.
What happened next was swift and shocking. The individual opened fire on the approaching officers. A brief but intense exchange of gunfire followed. Despite the chaos, the shooter managed to flee the scene. No officers were injured in the confrontation.
A multi-agency manhunt is now underway as authorities search for the individual believed to be behind the attacks. The Brooklyn Park Police Department is working in coordination with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Patrol, the FBI, and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Superintendent of the BCA, Drew Evans said the case is now an active investigation and that they are doing everything they can to locate the suspect. Authorities have also issued a warning to the public in light of the suspect’s impersonation tactics. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley urged residents to remain vigilant.
“If somebody comes to the door and they knock on the door claiming to be a police officer,” he said, “please do a couple things: One, call 911 and confirm that the officer belongs there. If they are a police officer, dispatch will be able to confirm that.”
Federal officials have confirmed their full involvement in the case. Dan Bongino, Deputy Director of the FBI, emphasized the agency’s commitment in a post on X. “The FBI is fully engaged on the ground in Minnesota and is working in collaboration with our local and state partners,” he wrote.
The Bureau’s presence marks a significant escalation in efforts to track down the suspect.
Hortman was more than a legislator — she was a lifelong Minnesotan, a devoted mother, and a passionate public servant.
Born and raised in Spring Lake Park and Andover, Hortman graduated from Blaine High School before heading east to study political science and philosophy at Boston University. Her early career in Washington, D.C., included working for Senators Al Gore and John Kerry. But it was Minnesota that called her home.
Melissa Hortman talks with one of her campaign workers, Zach Stephenson, while unpacking some boxes in her office in 2004 | Source: Getty Images
After earning her law degree from the University of Minnesota and later an MPA from Harvard’s Kennedy School, Hortman and her husband, Mark, settled in Brooklyn Park. The couple bought their first home on Windsor Terrace, where they raised two children and lived ever since.
Hortman’s commitment to service extended far beyond politics. She volunteered at Monroe Elementary, served on PTO boards, led Girl Scout troops, taught Sunday school at Saint Timothy Catholic Church, and held leadership roles in local civic organizations.
Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman bangs the gavel during a House session at the State Capitol in St. Paul on Tuesday, April 14, 2020. | Source: Getty Images
In 2004, she was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives. Over 11 terms, she became a leading voice on transportation, education, energy, and environmental policy. She played a key role in advancing Minnesota’s solar energy initiatives and, most recently, served as Speaker of the House.
Her legacy is one of deep roots, civic devotion, and enduring impact.
Hortman’s husband was a seasoned technology professional with a career spanning multiple industries and roles. At the time of his death, he served as a Program Manager at nVent, where he focused on the development and deployment of web-based and SaaS applications.
Describing himself as a “multi-faceted, personable technical leader,” Hortman’s husband brought a hands-on approach to managing complex digital projects. His professional journey included roles at Threebridge Solutions, Digital River, and other tech-driven organizations, reflecting a deep commitment to innovation and leadership in the field.
Melissa Hortman looks around for a good place to put a calendar in her new office in the State Office Building in 2004 | Source: Getty Images
He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and later pursued a master’s degree at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. Colleagues knew him not only for his technical acumen but for his collaborative spirit — a legacy that now lives on in the community he helped build.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, prompting a strong statement from former President Joe Biden. Posting on X, he condemned the violence writing, “This heinous attack motivated by politics should never happen in America. We must give hate and extremism no safe harbor and we must all unite against political violence as a nation.”
Biden’s remarks echo growing concern over the rise of politically motivated violence and the urgent call for unity in its aftermath.
