'No Kings' protests cancelled in Minnesota after targeted shootings of lawmakers

All scheduled “No Kings” protests across Minnesota were abruptly cancelled Saturday after two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses were targeted in separate shootings in what officials are calling a ‘politically motivated assassination’.

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home by a man posing as a police officer. Just hours later, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a similar attack at their Champlin residence. Authorities say both lawmakers were named in writings found in a fake police SUV used by the suspect.

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described the attack as “brazen” and “targeted.” The suspect, dressed in a full police-style uniform and driving a vehicle rigged to look like an official squad car, fled after exchanging gunfire with officers at the Hortman residence.

The investigators found a manifesto inside the vehicle, listing the names of multiple lawmakers and officials. Several “No Kings” protest flyers were also found, though State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic stated that no direct threats had been made toward the planned demonstrations. Still, out of an abundance of caution, the protests were cancelled statewide.

MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TIM WALZ CONDEMNS ATTACK

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the attack, calling it “targeted political violence” and urging unity against extremism. “We must all stand against all forms of political violence,” he said at a press conference.

The FBI has joined the investigation, with President Trump issuing a White House statement promising full federal support. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States,” he said.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth called the killings “evil” and urged prayers for the victims and their families.

Gun violence prevention advocate and former US Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, herself a survivor of a targeted shooting, said in a statement: “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.”

The FBI is assisting in the search for the suspect, who fled on foot after firing at police and abandoning a fake squad car. Inside, officers found a manifesto and a list of about 70 potential targets, including abortion providers, pro-abortion rights advocates, and lawmakers from Minnesota and other states, according to CNN analyst John Miller. Security has been tightened across the Twin Cities metro, and a shelter-in-place advisory remains in effect.

(With inputs from Associated Press)