Law enforcement officers including local police, sheriffs and the FBI, stage less than a mile from a shooting in Brooklyn Park, Minn. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP)
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (KFGO) – Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman was shot and killed early Saturday morning, Gov. Tim Walz said. Her husband was also killed by the unidentified gunman. The shooter is still at large.
State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot in the Champlin home. Both suffered serious gunshot wounds but are in stable condition.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.
“Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” he said. The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions.
Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect fled out of the back of Hortman’s house after an exchange of gunfire with police.
The suspect was dressed like a uniformed officer and operating a vehicle that “looked exactly like an SUV squad car. It was equipped with lights, emergency lights and looked exactly like a police vehicle,” Bruley said.
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said at a press conference Saturday. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
Minnesota police agencies and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are currently leading the investigation, officials report.
The FBI has joined in the investigation, according to a statement posted by Dan Bonginio, the agency’s deputy director.
President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that federal authorities will join in the investigation.
“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack “evil” and said she was “heartbroken beyond words” by the killings of Hortman and her husband, Mark.
“With the law enforcement response ongoing and details still emerging, I will simply ask all Minnesotans to please lift up in prayer the victims of this horrific attack, as well as the law enforcement personnel still working to apprehend the perpetrator,” Demuth said in a statement.
The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions.
No suspects have been arrested.
Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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