Minnesota Lawmakers Killed, Injured in Politically Motivated Shootings

Two Minnesota lawmakers, Speaker Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman, and their spouses were victims of politically motivated shootings, resulting in the deaths of Hortman and her husband and injuries to the Hoffmans. The suspect impersonated law enforcement and targeted several officials, with a list of other elected officials found in his vehicle. Officials from Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, and national organizations have condemned the violence, expressing grief and calling for unity, civility, and an end to political violence. Governor Tim Walz described the incident as a politically motivated assassination, emphasizing the threat such violence poses to democracy. Lawmakers stressed the importance of peaceful discourse and urged leaders, including President Donald Trump, to foster more civil political dialogue. The tragedy has sparked widespread calls for reflection and action to restore respect and safety for public servants and the democratic process.