Melissa Hortman dies in fatal Brooklyn Park shooting

Melissa Hortman dies in fatal Brooklyn Park shooting

Fatal Brooklyn Park shooting death of Melissa Hortman – Obituary

Melissa Hortman, 55, former Minnesota House speaker and current DFL leader, was tragically shot and killed early Saturday at her Brooklyn Park residence. Her husband, Mark Hortman, was also fatally wounded in what law enforcement is calling a politically motivated assassination. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.

A second state legislator, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were attacked separately in Champlin; they sustained multiple gunshot wounds but survived and were hospitalized.

Investigators discovered writings in a vehicle the suspect, who posed as a police officer, was using; those writings included the names of both Hortman and Hoffman, indicating political targeting. Authorities have launched a massive manhunt and issued statewide alerts.

Governor Tim Walz condemned the violence as an “attack on American democracy” and confirmed that these will be investigated to the fullest extent.

Authorities have urged all lawmakers and public officials to remain vigilant. The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working to locate and apprehend the suspect.