Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home early Saturday morning in what authorities are describing as a targeted act of political violence. The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the state and the nation, prompting an extensive law enforcement investigation and an outpouring of grief from political leaders.
According to officials, the attack on Hortman, a prominent figure in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party, is believed to be a politically motivated assassination. In a related incident, another DFL lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were also shot and wounded at their residence in a nearby city.
Law enforcement agencies are actively searching for a suspect in connection with the shootings. Reports indicate that the perpetrator may have impersonated a law enforcement officer during the commission of the crimes. A vehicle believed to be connected to the suspect has been recovered.
Hortman served as the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives and was a respected and influential voice in state politics for many years. Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum, with colleagues remembering her as a dedicated public servant, a skilled legislator, and a champion for her constituents.
Governor Tim Walz, in a press conference, mourned the loss of Hortman, calling her a close friend and a "true public servant." He condemned the violence and assured the public that all necessary resources are being deployed to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any information that may be relevant to the case. This violent act against elected officials has raised serious concerns about the safety of public servants and the vitriolic state of political discourse.
