Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Killed in Targeted Political Attack

Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning in a targeted political attack. The attack, which also left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, seriously wounded, has prompted an intensive manhunt and raised urgent questions about the safety of public officials in an increasingly volatile political climate.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (left) and Sen. John Hoffman

Governor Tim Walz addressed the press in an emotional briefing, mourning the loss of a 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. “She was a giant in Minnesota, a public servant filled with grace, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”

Senator Hoffman and his wife were both shot multiple times at their Champlin residence around 2 a.m. According to Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), lifesaving measures were performed on the Hoffmans, who were then transported to the hospital for emergency surgery. “We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” Evans said.

The investigation took a turn just over an hour later, when Brooklyn Park officers conducting a proactive welfare check at Speaker Hortman’s home encountered a man impersonating a police officer. The suspect, wearing a uniform and driving a vehicle made to look identical to a squad car, opened fire on the officers before retreating into the home. Officers found Mark Hortman critically wounded. Despite attempts at resuscitation, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Becasue the suspect had retreated into the home, a drone was sent in and revealed Speaker Hortman’s body inside the house. Officials confirmed she had been fatally shot.

The impersonator fled on foot after the shootout and remains at large. Authorities have launched a massive manhunt involving hundreds of officers, SWAT teams, and federal agents. Residents of Brooklyn Park have been ordered to shelter in place. Law enforcement officials emphasized that no officer is working alone and all will approach homes in pairs to avoid confusion or impersonation.

In the suspect’s abandoned vehicle, investigators found a disturbing manifesto naming numerous lawmakers and officials as potential targets. Authorities are working quickly to contact and protect those listed.

“This is a dark day for Minnesota and for democracy,” said Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of Public Safety. “We will not allow fear or violence to define who we are or how we govern. This was not just an attack on two families—it was an attack on the democratic process itself.”

Governor Walz underscored the urgent need for unity and the rejection of political violence. “In our state, and in this country, we do not settle our differences at gunpoint,” he said. “Let this moment be a reminder that democracy only survives when we safeguard the institutions, the people, and the principles that uphold it.”

Security for elected officials has been significantly increased, and state leaders are urging the public to report any suspicious activity—especially involving individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name but are working diligently to locate and apprehend the individual.

Background on Speaker Melissa Hortman

Melissa Hortman, 54, was a long-serving member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and had served as Speaker since 2019. Known for her fierce advocacy on climate policy, education, and worker protections, Hortman was widely respected across party lines.

Mark and Melissa Hortman were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park Home overnight by a man impersonating law enforcement.