Minnesota Lawmakers John Hoffman and Melissa Hortman Shot in Targeted Attacks, Manhunt Underway

Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman are shown in these undated file photos. (Minnesota House of Representatives | Minnesota Senate )

Two Minnesota state lawmakers were shot and critically injured in separate but apparently targeted incidents on Saturday, prompting a statewide manhunt for a suspect believed to be impersonating law enforcement. State Sen. John Hoffman and state Rep. Melissa Hortman were both shot at their respective homes in what authorities described as coordinated attacks.

The shootings occurred within an 8-mile radius in the suburban cities of Champlin and Brooklyn Park, located just north of Minneapolis. Both Hoffman and Hortman, members of the Democratic Party, were transported to nearby hospitals in grave condition. Hortman previously served as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may have posed as a police officer to gain access to the victims' residences. Officials have not disclosed further details about the motive, but law enforcement sources indicated the attacks were likely premeditated and politically motivated.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz was present at one of the scenes and has activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate the ongoing response. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, have joined the search for the gunman.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in tracking the suspect, with a multi-agency operation currently in progress across the Twin Cities metro area. Residents in the region have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Authorities have not yet released descriptions of the suspect or any vehicle involved. As the investigation intensifies, state officials are calling for unity and calm amid rising concern over threats to public officials.