Minnesota is mourning the loss of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were found fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. The tragedy followed an earlier incident in which State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured in a separate shooting at their home. Both are recovering after emergency surgery.
Police responding to a welfare check at the Hortman residence encountered a man impersonating a police officer. When approached, the suspect opened fire and fled. A manhunt involving local, state, and federal agencies is currently underway. Authorities have asked the public to remain alert, especially for individuals posing as law enforcement.
Governor Tim Walz called the shootings an “apparent politically motivated assassination,” while federal agencies, including the FBI, are actively investigating. Representative Hortman, who served over two decades in office and was Speaker of the Minnesota House, was known for her work on education, transportation, and clean energy.
Melissa was also a devoted mother and respected community figure. Her husband, Mark, was a leader in the tech industry. The loss has drawn national condolences, including from President Biden, who condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of unity. As investigations continue, Minnesota remembers a dedicated couple whose impact will not be forgotten.