😱 “Politically‑Motivated Assassination” Shocks Minnesota

In the pre‑dawn darkness of June 14, 2025, Minnesota was rocked by a blood‑curdling attack. The gunman, dressed as a police officer and driving a replica squad SUV, struck first at Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin at around 2 a.m. CDT. Both were critically wounded and rushed into surgery, but officials remain “cautiously optimistic” about their survival.

Then the killer moved on, just 90 minutes later, storming into the Brooklyn Park home of Rep. Melissa Hortman, former Minnesota House Speaker. There, Melissa and her husband Mark Hortman were gunned down in what Governor Tim Walz called a “politically‑motivated assassination.” They were found fatally wounded inside their home.

🧨 The Fake Cops Ruse

The suspect’s shocking disguise included:

• A realistic police uniform, badge, body armor, and Taser
• A deceptive police‑style SUV, complete with lights
• A manifesto was discovered in the vehicle, reportedly listing the names of multiple lawmakers as potential targets.

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley called it “a betrayal of public trust,” warning everyone to be super-cautious about which officer they speak with.

🚨 Emergency Manhunt

• A massive manhunt is underway, led by Minnesota law enforcement and the FBI.
• A shelter‑in‑place alert swept across Brooklyn Park as authorities hunted the disguised shooter.
• So far, no suspect has been caught—but several people have been detained for questioning.

📣 Powerful Voices Speak Out

Gov. Tim Walz delivered a stirring condemnation:

“This was an act of targeted political violence. Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy.”

He also described the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman as “an unspeakable tragedy”.

President Donald Trump, briefed on the attack, released this statement:

“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, survivor of a political shooting herself, echoed the alarm:

“An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.” 

📋 Quick Facts

🧠 Why It Matters

• Minnesota plunged into fear as elected leaders became targets of extremist violence.
• The incident highlights rising political polarization, extremist manifestos, and attacks on democratic norms.
• Security protocols for officials—already tight—are now under urgent review.

🕵️ What’s Next

• Law enforcement has mobilized statewide alert systems and is reviewing evidence from the suspect’s vehicle.
• Families and colleagues of the victims are demanding justice—and swift answers.
• Minnesotans, shaken, must reconcile with the stark reality: while democracy thrives on free speech, violence like this threatens its foundation.

This story is developing. Follow-up coverage on:

• The suspect’s identity or capture
• Security reforms for lawmakers
• Deeper background on political violence trends

• reuters.com
• apnews.com
• thetimes.co.uk
• theguardian.com