‘No Kings’ Protests Called Off Amid Manhunt for Gunman Who Shot 2 Lawmakers in Minnesota

Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband Killed, Another Legislator Wounded in Suspected Political Attack.

A 57-year-old man impersonating a police officer shot and killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home early Saturday, in what authorities are calling a politically motivated attack. In a separate but related incident, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and wounded in nearby Champlin.

Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as “targeted political violence,” calling on the public to stand united against such extremism.

Suspect Still at Large
The gunman, dressed in a fake police uniform and driving a vehicle outfitted to resemble a squad car, fled the scene after exchanging gunfire with officers at Hortman’s Brooklyn Park residence. Authorities said the vehicle contained a manifesto listing names of several lawmakers and officials.

“This was not random,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley. “The suspect came prepared, with a fake police vehicle, a uniform, and a list of targets.”

A “shelter in place” order was issued for the area, and a multi-agency manhunt is underway.

“No Kings” Protests Cancelled
Authorities urged the public to avoid large gatherings after finding “No Kings” protest flyers in the suspect’s car. Though no direct threat was linked to the events, all related protests scheduled across Minnesota on Saturday were cancelled as a precaution.

Col. Christina Bogojevic of the State Patrol said the move was taken “out of an abundance of caution.”

National Leaders Respond
President Donald Trump said the FBI would assist in the investigation, promising swift justice. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated,” he said in a statement.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth called the attack “pure evil” and urged Minnesotans to pray for the victims and first responders. “This is heartbreaking beyond words,” she said.

Political Violence in Focus
The shootings come amid heightened tensions and threats against public officials across the country. Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt in 2011, said the violence is a direct attack on democracy.

“We know this horror too well,” Giffords said. “Leaders must stand against the extremist rhetoric that fuels this violence.”

Melissa Hortman, a Democrat first elected in 2004, was among the state’s most prominent lawmakers, having served as House Speaker. She and her husband leave behind two children. Senator Hoffman, also a Democrat, was elected in 2012 and previously served on the Anoka-Hennepin School Board.

Autopsies are underway, and authorities urge anyone with information about the suspect to come forward immediately.