WASHINGTON
Two Democratic Minnesota state lawmakers were shot in their homes, Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday, calling the incident an "act of targeted political violence."
Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and State Rep. Melissa Hortman, as well as their spouses, are said to have been targeted in overnight shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
"My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination," Walz said at a news conference.
Walz said Sen. Hoffman and his wife were each shot "multiple times."
"The Hoffman's are out of surgery at this time, in receiving care, and we're cautiously optimistic, they will survive this assassination attempt.
"This was an act of targeted political violence," he added.
'Horrific violence' will not be tolerated: Trump
President Donald Trump said he has been briefed on the "terrible shooting" that took place in Minnesota, "which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers."
Trump said Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are investigating the situation.
"They will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!" he said in a statement.
Bondi said she is "closely monitoring" developments in Minnesota after "what appears to be a targeted attack" against state lawmakers.
"The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners. This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Bondi said on X.
Secretary of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem said she is monitoring the "horrific" shooting.
"We are in communication with our interagency partners, and will share more information as soon as it becomes available. I am praying for the victims of this heinous attack and their families," Noem said on X.
Suspect impersonating police officer
Police chief for Brooklyn Park said the suspect was impersonating a police officer.
"We have detained several people and questioned them, but we do not have anybody in custody at this time," he added.
The FBI said it is "fully engaged" on the ground in Minnesota and is working in collaboration with the local and state partners.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said "such horrific political violence" has no place in the US society.
"Every leader must unequivocally condemn it. Our prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families as well as the people of Minnesota during this tragic time," Johnson said on X.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the "ghastly targeted" shootings of Hoffman and Hortman "are not just horrific—they’re acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself."
"This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead. We must stand united against political violence in all forms—and bring those responsible to swift and full justice," Schumer said on X.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said the "targeted" shootings of the lawmakers are "deeply disturbing."
"Violence is never acceptable. Praying hard for the victims and all who have been affected," Jeffries said on X.
'No Kings' protests cancelled in Minnesota
Walz called on Minnesotans to avoid the planned “No Kings” protests across the state in the wake of shootings.
"Out of an abundance of caution my Department of Public Safety is recommending that people do not attend any political rallies today in Minnesota until the suspect is apprehended," he said on X.
Demonstrations have been planned across the US against the Trump administration as Washington, DC hosts the 250th anniversary of the Army on Saturday -- a day that falls on Trump's 79th birthday.
Organizers of the demonstrations have characterized Trump's military parade not as a celebration of the armed forces, but as a theatrical "display of dominance" similar to military marches that have been hosted by dictators in other countries.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Minnesota said demonstration in Northeast Minneapolis has been cancelled out of an "abundance of caution."
"Our hearts are with the elected officials targeted in last night’s shooting, their families and everyone impacted by this tragedy. Check with local No Kings organizers for info on other events," it said.
