US Senator Shot, Representative Killed Inside Their Homes In Minnesota. Here's What We Know

Last Updated:June 14, 2025, 20:32 IST

US Senator John Hoffman and House Representative Melissa Hortman - both Democrats - were reportedly shot inside their homes by a suspect disguised as a police officer.

US Rep. Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman. (Credit: X)

Two US lawmakers – Senator John Hoffman and Representative Melissa Hortman –  as well as their spouses, were shot in overnight shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn, according to several reports. Hortman and her husband were confirmed dead in the shooting.

Sources told Fox News that the suspect was someone impersonating a police officer. Hortman, a Democrat from Brooklyn Park, represents District 34B. Hoffman, a Democrat from Champlin, represents Senate District 34. The extent of the injuries was not immediately known, and authorities have yet to confirm that the lawmakers were the victims of the attack.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in a “politically motivated assassination", while Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times but are expected to survive. “She (Hortman) woke up every day determined to make this state a better place," Walz said.

Hoffman and Hortman are both members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labour Party. Hortman served as Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025 and currently holds the role of DFL Leader, according to the Minnesota Legislature Reference Library.

Authorities On High Alert

Authorities are on high alert as an emergency response has been activated in Minnesota following the shootings. Walz took to X, saying, “I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park."

In a later post, Walz said, “I’ve activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon."

A shelter-in-place alert was sent at 5:30 am by the Brooklyn Park Police Department for a 3-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course. Police say they are looking for an armed suspect – a white man with brown hair wearing black armour over a blue shirt and blue pants – and he may be impersonating law enforcement.

Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom said, “I’m just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we’d be here. My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families. I hope everyone comes out of this okay. I cannot emphasise enough that this is not okay. Any type of violence against elected officials is not okay."

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

News world US Senator Shot, Representative Killed Inside Their Homes In Minnesota. Here's What We Know