Minnesota Democrat Shot in ‘Politically Motivated Assassination’

Walz said that the same person shot Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette multiple times; they were injured and have undergone surgery. 

“The Hoffmans are out of surgery at this time and receiving care, and we are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” Walz said.  

The shooter, who went to both lawmakers’ homes in the suburbs north of Minneapolis, was impersonating a law enforcement officer, according to authorities. Brooklyn Police Chief Mark Bruley said at a press conference police found a manifesto that identified “many lawmakers and other officials” in the suspect’s car. The list included Hortman and Hoffman, according to another official. 

“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Walz said. “Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.” 

A manhunt is underway for the suspect, whom authorities believe is on foot.

Walz, who was Democrats’ 2024 vice presidential nominee, later added in a post on X that people should not attend political rallies in Minnesota until the suspect is caught. Protests have been scheduled across the country as part of “No Kings Day,” in response to the military holding a parade Saturday in Washington, D.C., on President Donald Trump’s birthday.

After hearing of a shooting at Hoffman’s home, police checked on Hortman’s home Saturday morning proactively. They found what looked like a police vehicle in the driveway with the emergency lights on and a suspect dressed like a police officer coming out of the house, Bruley said. The police officers confronted the suspect, who fired at the officers and then retreated into the house when the officers shot back.

“It was not a real police officer,” he said. “This is somebody that clearly had been impersonating a police officer.”  

“They did drive a vehicle that looked exactly like an SUV squad car,” Bruley added. “It was equipped with lights, emergency lights, that looked exactly like a police vehicle, and yes, they were wearing a vest with taser, other equipment, a badge very similar to mine, that no question, if they were in this room, you would assume that they are a police officer.”

Bruley said that if someone who appears to be a police officer knocks at your door to call 911 to confirm their identity. 

The FBI is “fully engaged on the ground in Minnesota and is working in collaboration with our local and state partners,” according to FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino.

“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” Trump said in a statement. “Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!” 

Hortman was Speaker of the state House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025. She championed free school lunches and gun control measures. She and her husband leave behind two children. 

“This is a stunning act of violence,” Sen. Amy Klobuchar, (D-Minn.) wrote in a post on X. 

“I’m thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time,” she added. “My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service.”

Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.), who was shot in the head at a political event in 2011 and runs a gun violence prevention organization, wrote in a post on X she was “devastated” by the killings. 

“Melissa was a true public servant who dedicated her life building a better, safer Minnesota. This is a profound loss for all who loved Melissa and Mark, and for our nation. There will be more to say, but this much is clear: we must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun.”