In a shocking and targeted shooting early Saturday morning, two Minnesota lawmakers were attacked at their homes in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assault. The shootings occurred in the Minneapolis suburbs of Champlin and Brooklyn Park, about eight miles apart.
According to reports from international media, State Senator John Hoffman was wounded, while State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in the attack. The information was confirmed by international media houses. The attacker is believed to have impersonated a police officer, using the guise of law enforcement to gain access to the lawmakers. Authorities have launched a manhunt to locate the suspect and are still in the early stages of investigating the motive behind the killings.
Speaking at a press conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the incident as a "politically-motivated assassination." He confirmed that Senator Hoffman had undergone surgery and expressed cautious optimism regarding his recovery. "We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Governor Walz said, according to the Associated Press. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Johnson also confirmed that the suspect posed as a law enforcement officer. “The suspect exploited the trust our uniforms represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” he said. According to reports, the FBI is assisting local authorities in the ongoing investigation.
Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans stated, in a report from ABC News, that Hoffman and his wife were shot at around 2 a.m. in Champlin. Following the attack on Hoffman, law enforcement officers proceeded to check on Representative Hortman at her home. It was there that they encountered the suspect, according to Evans.
The incident has left the community reeling and raised serious concerns about the safety of public officials and the growing threat of political violence in the United States.
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