Key Points

A Minnesota state representative was killed and a senator critically injured in a targeted attack by a gunman impersonating a police officer. President Trump condemned the violence, calling it unacceptable while Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged full prosecution. Authorities discovered a hit list of lawmakers in the suspect's abandoned police-style vehicle. The attacks have heightened security concerns for officials across Minnesota.

Key Points: Minnesota Lawmaker Killed Senator Injured in Targeted Shooting

  • Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed in suspected assassination
  • Sen. John Hoffman and wife shot multiple times but expected to survive
  • Suspect posed as officer, targeted lawmakers from a list
  • Trump and AG Bondi vow full prosecution of attacker
3 min read

Minnesota lawmaker killed, state Senator injured in shooting; Trump says such horrific violence will not be tolerated

Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman killed, Sen. John Hoffman injured in politically motivated attack; Trump vows justice as suspect remains at large.

"Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. – Donald Trump"

Minnesota, June 14

A Minnesota state representative and her husband were shot dead while a state senator and his wife were injured in their homes in two separate shooting incidents here on Saturday, ABC News reported.

US President Donald Trump said that he has been briefed on the shooting incidents in Minnesota, which appears to be a "targeted attack against State Lawmakers."

He stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are carrying out the investigation and said that "such horrific violence will not be tolerated" in the US.

"I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. 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," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared Trump's statement on X.

https://x.com/presssec/status/1933910353718497656

According to authorities, a manhunt is underway for the gunman who was impersonating a police officer. The police said the gunman attacked by knocking on the doors and asked the victims to come out, ABC News reported.

While addressing a news conference, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in what appears to be a "politically-motivated assassination."

Walz called Hortman a "formidable public servant," who is "irreplaceable."

Tim Walz said State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were both shot multiple times and underwent surgery. Walz said, "We're cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt."

The two shooting sites are a few miles away from each other in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans said that Hoffman and his wife were shot in Champlin at around 2 am (local time).

Evans said that officers were heading to proactively check on Hortman after he was shot when they encountered the suspect at Hortman's home at around 3:35 am (local time).

Police said the officers found a person who was dressed as a police officer and with a Taser and other equipment. According to authorities, the suspect fired at the officers, gunfire was exchanged and the suspect was able to escape from the spot.

Authorities said the suspect's vehicle -- which appeared like a police vehicle, including police lights -- was in Hortman's driveway.

Authorities said a list of other possible targets was retrieved from the suspect's vehicle. Police said the list included "many lawmakers," including the victims. Authorities said security resources have been rushed to protect those people mentioned in the list, ABC News reported.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said she is "closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers." She stated, "This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is truly shocking! Politicians being targeted like this shows how deep political divisions run in America. In India, we've seen heated debates but such extreme violence is rare. Hope they catch the culprit soon. 🙏
R
Rahul S.
The impersonation of police officer is most concerning part. In India we've seen similar tactics used by criminals. US needs to strengthen verification systems for law enforcement personnel. Stay strong Minnesota!
A
Anjali M.
While we criticize our own political climate in India, at least our leaders don't fear for their lives like this. The US needs to reflect on its gun laws and political rhetoric that fuels such hatred.
V
Vikram P.
The fact that the attacker had a list of targets shows this was well-planned. Reminds me of the attack on our Parliament in 2001. Hope US authorities take this as wake-up call to protect their democracy.
S
Sunita R.
Very sad news. While we often look up to America as model democracy, such incidents show no country is immune to political violence. My heart goes out to the victims' families. Hope the injured recover soon.
K
Karan D.
Trump's statement is appropriate but actions matter more than words. America needs to address root causes - easy gun access and extreme polarization. In India, we've managed political differences without such bloodshed.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50