Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Saturday confirmed state Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (D) and her husband were killed in a fatal shooting being investigated as “politically motivated.”
“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 during a press conference.
“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost a dearest friend,” he added.
Thousands of people remain sheltered in place in the city of Brooklyn Park, Minn., as local police and SWAT teams actively search for the suspect, who was reportedly impersonating a law enforcement officer. The gunman had fled out the back of Hortman’s house after briefly being confronted by the police.
President Trump was also briefed on the incident. In a statement, shared by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president said the Justice Department and FBI were investigating the shooting.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” he said. “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!” Trump added.
State Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife were also shot multiple times early Saturday morning at their home in Champlin, Minn., located just 8 miles away from Hortman.
“Both those individuals, Senator Hoffman and his wife, are both alive at this time, but they suffered gunshot wounds and are obviously in a difficult situation, but we’re cautiously optimistic that they will continue to improve,” said Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Walz told reporters that local, state and federal authorities were working together.
“We’re committed to keeping Minnesotans informed as the situation continues, I assure you that those held those responsible for this will be held accountable, and each and every one of us are committed to making sure that a tragedy like this never repeats itself in Minnesota or across this country,” he said.
Investigators urged local residents not to answer the door for a sole police officer, noting that at this time law enforcement agents would arrive in pairs if dispatched.
“The suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms that our uniforms are meant to represent that betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of Public Safety for the state of Minnesota, said at the presser.
“We want to reassure the public that there is increased security in place for elected officials and others who may be at risk if you see anything suspicious, especially involving individuals impersonating law enforcement, please report it immediately by calling 911,” Jacobson added.
Pundits and lawmakers alike have weighed in on the incident.
Former Rep. Gabby Giffords (D-Ariz.) — currently married to Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly (D) — said she was “horrified and heartbroken” by the news. Giffords, a survivor of gun violence after being shot at an event in 2011, now leads a national gun violence prevention organization.
“I am horrified and heartbroken by last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants. Melissa, John and their entire families are in my prayers today as we await more information,” she said in a statement. “I hope law enforcement can quickly find those responsible and bring them to justice.”
“My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself,” Giffords added. “Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.”
Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chair Ken Martin said many will suffer as a result of Hortman’s death.
“Speaker Hortman was a leader in every sense of the word — from ushering in free lunch for our kids, to protecting women’s rights and reproductive care, to standing up for Minnesota families. She led our state legislature with humor, grace, and determination to get things done for Minnesotans across the state,” he said in a statement.
“She wasn’t only a leader — she was a damn good legislator and Minnesotans everywhere will suffer because of this loss,” Martin added.
Updated at 12:15 p.m. EDT.
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