Minnesota Shooting: ‘No Kings’ Protests Canceled – NBC Chicago
- Minnesota is reeling after a pair of targeted shootings left former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead.
- The shootings occurred early Saturday in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, where the lawmakers' homes are located about eight miles apart.
- Following the shootings, planned "No Kings" protests across Minnesota were canceled.
Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Shootings; Former Speaker Killed
Minnesota is reeling after a pair of targeted shootings left former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead. The shootings also critically wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Gov. Tim Walz described the attack as a politically motivated assassination.
The shootings occurred early Saturday in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, where the lawmakers’ homes are located about eight miles apart. Authorities are currently engaged in a manhunt for a suspect believed to be impersonating a police officer. The suspect’s vehicle, which resembles a police car with lights and sirens, has been identified.
Following the shootings, planned “No Kings” protests across Minnesota were canceled. Authorities advised residents to avoid the gatherings while the suspect remains at large. Flyers advertising the rallies were found in the suspect’s vehicle, along with writings containing the names of other lawmakers.
Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today’s planned demonstrations across minnesota out of an abundance of caution. pic.twitter.com/7hFccnrQUT
— MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) June 14,2025
The photo is of flyers inside the vehicle of the suspect in today’s shootings.
— MN State Patrol (@MnDPS_MSP) June 14,2025
Walz expressed hope for the Hoffmans’ recovery,stating,”We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.”
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker released a statement condemning the violence:
“Political violence is always unacceptable. This is a horrifying day for Minnesota, and a sad day for america. What has occurred is a direct attack on our American values and democracy. MK and I are thinking of the families and friends of Minnesota State Representative and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark who were killed. May their memories be a blessing. We are also praying for the full recovery of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were injured. I spoke with Governor Walz early this morning and let him know the people of Illinois stand with the people of Minnesota. I remain in close touch with Illinois State Police and all four leaders of the Illinois General Assembly as we monitor the situation in Minnesota.”
What’s next
The manhunt for the suspect continues, and authorities are investigating the motives behind the shootings and the suspect’s potential connections to political groups.