Ex-House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were slain Saturday in a politically motivated shooting, verified Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. U.S President Donald Trump also addressed the incident. Two state senators were shot in their residences early Saturday morning, told mayor of Minnesota earlier on Saturday.
Donald Trump Condemns the Attack
“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, according to AFP.
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” he added. State Rep. Melissa Hortman and State Sen. John Hoffman were shot. Hoffman’s wife was also shot in the hit shooting, according to Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas.
Investigation Begins, Motive Still Unclear Amdist Reaction of Donald Trump
A source who knew about the situation informed the Associated Press that authorities believe the suspect may have been masquerading as a lawbreaker. The source said that police were still in the initial stages of their investigation and were still attempting to figure out the motive behind the attacks.
Hortman was the previous House of Representatives speaker and the state legislature’s lead Democratic leader. She got elected for the first time in 2004. Married lawyer Hortman had two children.
John Hoffman’s Background
Conversely, Hoffman, who belongs to the Democratic Party, was elected for the first time in 2012. He is the founder of the consultancy firm Hoffman Strategic Advisors. He was also the vice chair of Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages Minnesota’s largest school district.
Hoffman is married and has one daughter. A manhunt has been initiated to take into custody the suspect, in the meantime. The shootings occurred at a time of heightened political tensions when political leaders around the country have been attacked, harassed, and intimidated.
GIFFORDS Responds to the Tragedy
GIFFORDS, a national organization committed to preventing gun violence and led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released a statement,
In 2011, the gunman shot Giffords in the head and killed six people and wounded twelve others. In January of 2012, she stepped down from Congress to focus on her recovery.
Shooting Locations and Assailant’s Disguise
ABC News reported that the lawmakers were shot in their homes, 8 miles from one another in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, just north of Minneapolis.
The assailant is suspected to have been using a police uniform to pose as an officer, police have stated, with a manhunt also being launched to apprehend him.
Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans stated that Hoffman and his wife were first shot, while Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later, AFP reported.
Governor Walz Vows Accountability
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said at a news conference. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
According to Evans, the suspected gunman managed to flee amid an exchange of gunfire with officers near Hortman’s home.