A chilling sequence of attacks has rocked Minnesota’s political landscape, sparking fear, grief, and a statewide investigation.

The State of Minnesota is reeling from a deadly attack that claimed the life of a long-serving public official. In the early hours of Saturday morning, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home. Authorities believe the killings were politically motivated.

Governor Tim Walz announced the news at a press conference, describing the attack as “what appears to be a politically motivated assassination.” But the Hortmans weren’t the only victims. Earlier that morning, Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also targeted. Both were shot multiple times but survived following emergency surgeries.

“The Hoffmans are out of surgery at this time and receiving care,” said Gov. Walz. “We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.” The two lawmakers were members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer-Labor Party.

The attacks began shortly after 2 a.m. when a 911 call reported gunshots at the home of State Senator John Hoffman. Officers rushed to the scene, where they found Hoffman and his wife critically wounded. Emergency responders provided life-saving aid before transporting the couple to the hospital for surgery.

Less than two hours later, concern for Rep. Hortman led police to conduct a welfare check at her residence in Brooklyn Park. As officers arrived, they noticed a police cruiser in the driveway and a man dressed as an officer stepping out of the house.

What happened next was swift and shocking. The individual opened fire on the approaching officers. A brief but intense exchange of gunfire followed. Despite the chaos, the shooter managed to flee the scene. No officers were injured in the confrontation.