International Desk, (EFE).- Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot on Saturday in what Governor Tim Walz called “a politically motivated assassination.” The attack also left Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife seriously wounded. Authorities believe both incidents were carried out by the same assailant.
“We are cautiously optimistic and believe they will survive this assassination attempt,” Walz said regarding the Hoffmans, who underwent emergency surgery. Speaking at a press conference, the governor praised Hortman as “an irreplaceable and formidable public servant, committed to making this state a better place.”
According to Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, police responded to reports of a shooting in the early hours at Hoffman’s residence.
Later, they found the suspect at Hortman’s home, where he opened fire on officers. During the exchange, the suspect escaped.
Evans revealed the assailant was impersonating law enforcement, wearing a bulletproof vest, carrying a pistol and badge, and driving a vehicle containing a “manifesto” and a hit list that included both targeted lawmakers.
Multiple individuals have been questioned, but no arrests have been made.
Trump condemns political violence
United States President Donald Trump condemned the attacks in a statement released by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X, calling them “ a horrific form of violence that will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”
Trump emphasized that the US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI were investigating the attacks alongside state and local authorities.
“All involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” he declared, concluding, “May God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
The violence occurred just hours before a controversial military parade in Washington, DC, organized by Trump to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army.
More than 2,000 anti-government protests had also been scheduled across all 50 states, with organizers denouncing what they describe as “rising authoritarianism.”
Indivisible Twin Cities, one of the protest organizers, confirmed that the demonstrations in Minnesota would continue: “In the face of this horror, we will grieve and reaffirm our determination for a peaceful, just, and democratic future.”
‘We must unite against political violence’ says Biden
Former President Joe Biden ed the growing list of political leaders denouncing the killings, calling the attack “heinous” and “politically motivated.”
“This should never happen in the United States,” Biden posted on X. “We must not give safe harbor to hate or extremism, and as a nation, we must all unite against political violence.”
He extended his and Jill Biden’s sympathies to those affected by what he described as an “unimaginable moment.”
As investigations continue, authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect.
Meanwhile, political leaders across the country are calling for calm amid a climate of deep division, protests, and fear of further violence.
“Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy,” Governor Walz said. “We do not solve our differences through violence or at gunpoint.” EFE
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