Minnesota Lawmakers Killed, Spouses Wounded in Targeted Shootings

In Minnesota, a politically motivated shooting attack targeted Democratic lawmakers, resulting in the deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were critically wounded but remain stable after surgery. The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, impersonated a police officer during the attacks and is currently at large, prompting a multi-agency manhunt. Authorities discovered a manifesto with a hit list of elected officials in the suspect's vehicle, underscoring the ideological motives behind the violence. Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as an attack on peaceful democratic discourse, while President Donald J. Trump also denounced the violence. The incidents have sparked increased security measures for politicians in other states, including New York, where officials are addressing rising threats and hostility toward elected leaders, highlighting broader concerns about political violence fueled by divisive rhetoric. Law enforcement continues to urge vigilance and verification of law enforcement identities amid ongoing fears of further attacks.