Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Politically Motivated Shootings

Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a separate shooting in nearby Champlin. The suspect, impersonating a police officer, had a list of other lawmakers and 'No Kings' flyers—referencing planned protests against President Donald Trump—in his vehicle, suggesting politically motivated attacks. Authorities, including the FBI and Attorney General Pam Bondi, are investigating the shootings, and President Trump condemned the violence, stating it will not be tolerated and promising full prosecution of those responsible. Officials across the country, including governors and legislators from Iowa and Oregon, expressed shock and grief, denouncing the attacks as extreme political violence fueled by divisive rhetoric. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called it a politically motivated assassination and urged residents to avoid protests until the suspect is apprehended, while lawmakers nationwide called for unity and a reduction in inflammatory political discourse. Increased security measures were implemented for other lawmakers named on the suspect's list amid heightened concerns over political violence.