United States police have arrested a man suspected of fatally shooting a former Minnesota lawmaker and critically injuring a sitting senator, in what the governor described as a politically motivated attack.
The man, who had eluded capture for two days, was taken into custody near his farm in Green Isle, Minnesota, on Sunday evening. His arrest marked the end of an intensive manhunt that had left parts of the Midwest on edge.
Governor Tim Walz, who was scheduled to address the press late Sunday night local time, described the attack as “politically motivated”.
The accused reportedly posed as a police officer before entering the Brooklyn Park residence of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman in the early hours of Saturday. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were both shot dead at the scene, located in a northern suburb of Minneapolis.
Also read: US lawmaker killed, another hurt as gunman in cop uniform escapes
Police officials revealed that shortly after the attack, the suspect fled on foot when officers arrived at the scene. A car, hat, and other belongings allegedly linked to the suspect were recovered nearby.
Authorities later connected the same suspect to another shooting, which occurred just nine miles (approximately 14 kilometres) away. Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were shot at their home.
Senator Hoffman was said to have been struck by nine bullets and underwent emergency surgery. His wife, Yvette, reportedly texted fellow Democrat Senator Amy Klobuchar to confirm his condition.
Posting on her X handle, Hoffman later said, “We are both incredibly lucky to be alive.”
Investigations into the suspect’s motive and background are ongoing.
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