Minnesota Shooting: ‘No Kings’ Protests Canceled – Suspect Search
- A brazen act of political violence in Minnesota left a former state house speaker dead and another lawmaker wounded early Saturday.
- Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, who reportedly posed as a law enforcement officer.
- Following the discovery of the manifesto, law enforcement agencies across the state were alerted and security measures were increased, according to Bruley.
A former Minnesota House Speaker was tragically killed, and another lawmaker wounded in a shocking act of targeted political violence. Authorities are actively hunting the suspect, who remains at large after the devastating shooting. The “No Kings” protests planned for Saturday were canceled as law enforcement investigates the disturbing crime. The suspect, posing as a police officer, left behind a manifesto, escalating concerns about rising political tensions. lawmakers are now scrutinizing the role political rhetoric plays in such attacks. News Directory 3 provides complete coverage of this developing story. Discover what’s next as the examination unfolds and the community grapples with the aftermath.
Minnesota Lawmaker Assassinated in Act of Targeted Political Violence
Updated June 14, 2025
A brazen act of political violence in Minnesota left a former state house speaker dead and another lawmaker wounded early Saturday. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat and former speaker, and her husband were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home. In a separate incident, Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife sustained multiple gunshot wounds at their residence in Champlin.
Authorities are actively searching for the suspect, who reportedly posed as a law enforcement officer. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said writings recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, which was disguised as a police car, mentioned several lawmakers and officials. The Minnesota political landscape is shaken by this act of targeted political violence.
Following the discovery of the manifesto, law enforcement agencies across the state were alerted and security measures were increased, according to Bruley. State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic urged the public to avoid “No Kings” protests planned for Saturday, citing flyers related to the movement found in the suspect’s car. Organizers later canceled the protests.
gov. Tim Walz condemned the attacks. “We must all, in minnesota and across the contry, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said at a press conference, vowing accountability for those responsible.the FBI is assisting in the investigation, according to President Donald Trump.
Hoffman, first elected in 2012, previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School board. Hortman, a former House speaker, was first elected in 2004. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed that autopsies would be conducted on Hortman and her husband, who died from gunshot wounds. A shelter-in-place order was briefly in effect Saturday morning.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson expressed dismay at the suspect’s deception. “Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms… That betrayal is deeply disturbing,” Jacobson said.
minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, described the attack as “evil” and asked Minnesotans to pray for the victims and law enforcement. The shootings come amid rising political tensions and increasing attacks on political figures nationwide. The role of political rhetoric is under scrutiny.
“My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well,” said former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, whose organization, GIFFORDS, advocates for gun violence prevention. “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.”
What’s next
The investigation is ongoing, wiht authorities actively pursuing leads and analyzing evidence recovered from the suspect’s vehicle. The focus remains on apprehending the suspect and determining the full scope of the planned political violence. Increased security measures are expected at future political events.