Brooklyn Park, MN – A violent overnight incident left one Minnesota state lawmaker dead and another injured after an armed suspect allegedly targeted two legislators’ homes in a pair of early morning shootings.
According to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, the first shooting occurred around 2 a.m. Saturday in Champlin, where Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot. Both are expected to survive. Approximately 90 minutes later, officers proactively responded to the Brooklyn Park home of House Speaker Melissa Hortman. Upon arrival around 3:35 a.m., officers encountered gunfire and reportedly exchanged shots with the suspect.
The suspect allegedly retreated into the home and later fled on foot. Speaker Hortman and her husband were both given medical aid, but she died shortly after. Her husband’s condition has not been released.
A shelter-in-place order remains active for parts of Brooklyn Park, where the suspect was last seen. Law enforcement officials said the individual is considered armed and dangerous and allegedly impersonated a police officer during the course of the crime.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution. “Do not open the door to any lone officer. Licensed officers are working in pairs,” the Sheriff’s Office advised. If a person claiming to be law enforcement knocks, residents are instructed to call 911 to verify their legitimacy.
The Sheriff’s Office is working with local, state and federal agencies including the Emergency Services Unit (SWAT), crime scene investigators, and detectives. No arrest has been made as of Saturday morning.
Speaker Hortman had served in the Minnesota Legislature since 2005 and became House Speaker in 2019.
Officials say updates will be released as the investigation continues.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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