By Diyar Guldogan
WASHINGTON (AA) - Two Democratic Minnesota state lawmakers were shot in their homes, Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday, calling the incident an "act of targeted political violence."
Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and State Rep. Melissa Hortman, as well as their spouses, are said to have been targeted in overnight shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
"My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination," Walz said at a news conference.
Walz said Sen. Hoffman and his wife were each shot "multiple times."
"The Hoffman's are out of surgery at this time, in receiving care, and we're cautiously optimistic, they will survive this assassination attempt.
"This was an act of targeted political violence," he added.
- Suspect impersonating police officer
Police chief for Brooklyn Park said the suspect was impersonating a police officer.
"We have detained several people and questioned them, but we do not have anybody in custody at this time," he added.
The FBI said it is "fully engaged" on the ground in Minnesota and is working in collaboration with the local and state partners.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the "ghastly targeted" shootings of Hoffman and Hortman "are not just horrific—they’re acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself."
"This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead. We must stand united against political violence in all forms—and bring those responsible to swift and full justice," Schumer said on X.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the "targeted" shootings of the lawmakers are "deeply disturbing."
"Violence is never acceptable. Praying hard for the victims and all who have been affected," Jeffries said on X.