By WT News Desk | June 14, 2025 | 09:45 PM IST
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday condemned what he described as a "targeted attack" on two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers, declaring that “this horrific violence will not be tolerated” in the United States.
The comments came hours after a pair of shootings shook the Minneapolis suburbs of Champlin and Brooklyn Park, leaving Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife critically wounded. Law enforcement authorities say the attacks, believed to be politically motivated, were carried out by a suspect impersonating a police officer.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers,” Trump said in a statement, as reported by AFP. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”
A Community Stunned by Violence
The first shooting occurred early Saturday morning at Senator Hoffman’s residence in Champlin. The Democrat, who has represented District 36 in the Minnesota Senate since 2013, was shot at least twice. His wife, Yvette, was struck three times. Both remain hospitalized and are reportedly in stable condition.
A short time later, about eight miles south in Brooklyn Park, Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot inside their home. Hortman, 55, a former Speaker of the Minnesota House and current DFL Leader, and Mark did not survive the attack.
The back-to-back shootings prompted a statewide manhunt. Brooklyn Park police issued emergency alerts urging residents near the Edinburgh Golf Course to shelter in place. The suspect, described as a white male with brown hair wearing body armor over a blue shirt and pants, is believed to be impersonating law enforcement officers.
“Do not approach and do not answer the door unless two officers approach together,” the alert warned. “Call 911 to verify officer identity first.”
Officials Call It a Political Attack
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz did not mince words in a press conference, calling the shootings a "politically motivated act of domestic terror."
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
Authorities reportedly recovered a manifesto from the suspect, which included a list of names, indicating the attacks may have been part of a broader plan targeting political figures.
Remembering Melissa Hortman
Hortman, a prominent figure in Minnesota politics, had served in the state legislature since 2005. Known for her leadership on environmental policy, transportation infrastructure, and education, she rose to become Speaker of the House in 2019 and was widely respected across party lines.
Born in Fridley, Minnesota, and raised in Anoka County, Hortman earned her law degree from the University of Minnesota and a master’s in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School. Her death has sent shockwaves through the political community.
“Melissa was a true public servant, fiercely dedicated to the people of Minnesota,” said House Majority Leader Jamie Long in a statement. “Her leadership, her passion, and her decency will never be forgotten.”
Senator Hoffman’s Career and Family
Senator Hoffman, who survived the attack along with his wife, is a key figure in the state legislature. He chairs the Human Services Committee and serves on several others focused on energy, environment, and health policy. Hoffman, Yvette, and their daughter Hope are well known in the Champlin community.
Just last month, Hoffman and Hope appeared at Disability Day at the Capitol, advocating for inclusion and accessibility in public policy.
A Nation on Edge
The shootings come amid rising political tensions across the U.S., and the brazen nature of the attacks — carried out in the victims’ homes by an individual masquerading as law enforcement — has raised concerns about security for public officials.
Federal agencies are assisting local authorities in the investigation and manhunt. The suspect remains at large as of Saturday evening.
As tributes pour in for Hortman and prayers are offered for the recovery of the Hoffmans, President Trump’s remarks signal a rare moment of bipartisan unity in denouncing the violence.
“Our democracy cannot function under the threat of violence,” Trump said. “Those who serve the public must be safe to do so.”
What’s Next?
Authorities have not released further details about the suspect or the manifesto, but law enforcement sources confirm that additional names on the list are under protection. Security has been heightened at government buildings and for state lawmakers across Minnesota.
A joint memorial service for Melissa and Mark Hortman is expected to be announced in the coming days, while Senator Hoffman’s office has confirmed he will remain under medical supervision for the foreseeable future.
As Minnesota mourns and the nation watches, the attacks mark one of the most disturbing assaults on elected officials in recent American history — a reminder of the fragility of civility in a polarized era.
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