Rep. Melissa Hortman, her husband killed; Sen. John Hoffman, his wife shot in ‘targeted’ shootings

June 14, 2025 – In a coordinated attack chilling in its intent and execution, two Minnesota Democratic legislators and their spouses were shot in separate, politically motivated assaults at their homes just north of Minneapolis.

The Tragedy Unfolds

• Former State House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL), 55, and her husband, Mark, were found shot dead early Saturday at their Brooklyn Park residence. Governor Tim Walz called it an “unspeakable tragedy” and labeled it a politically motivated assassination.
• Hours earlier in nearby Champlin, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot and critically wounded but are now expected to survive after emergency surgery.

️‍♂️ Suspect’s Deceptive Tactics

Authorities say the attacker posed as a police officer—driving a convincing SUV with lights and wearing body armor and a badge—to gain access. Officers encountered the suspect at the Hortman home, resulting in a brief shootout before the assailant fled on foot.

A manifesto and a hit list discovered in the suspect’s vehicle named other lawmakers and public figures, suggesting a broader, calculated campaign.

️ Impact on Democracy

• Top leaders, including Governor Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and President Trump, have condemned the attacks. Many called it not only an assault on individuals but on the democratic process itself.
• Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords—herself a survivor of an assassination attempt—warned that these attacks mark a dangerous escalation in political violence.
• A shelter-in-place order remains in effect in parts of Brooklyn Park as authorities conduct a large-scale manhunt for the armed suspect.

Remembering the Fallen

• Melissa Hortman: Speaker of the Minnesota House from 2019 to 2024. She was a champion for working families, public education, abortion rights, cannabis legalization, paid family leave, and gun safety laws.
• Senator John Hoffman: Serving since 2013, he focused on human services, healthcare, and environmental policy.

✅ Bottom Line

These targeted shootings—carried out with chilling precision—mark a disturbing moment for American democracy. As the nation watches and grieves, the urgent need for stronger protections, civil discourse, and nonviolence in politics becomes painfully clear. The attacks serve as a tragic reminder: democracy only works when its defenders are safe.