Legislators

Politically Motivated Assassination Rocks Minnesota: Lawmakers Among Victims

Strategic Insights

Jun 15, 2025 — 1 min read

A gunman disguised as a police officer shot and killed US politician and her husband in a "politically motivated assassination" in Minnesota. State representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed, while a second politician, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were wounded in a separate shooting. A manhunt is underway after the suspected gunman escaped after a shootout at Hortman's home.

Key Takeaways:

Melissa Hortman, a 55-year-old Democrat, was a state representative who had served as speaker of the Minnesota house of representatives for the past six years. She was a personal friend of Senator John Hoffman, who was also targeted.
Hoffman and his wife Yvette were both shot multiple times and needed surgery. Governor Tim Walz praised Hortman, saying she was a "formidable public servant" who was "irreplaceable."
The suspect was wearing a vest and a badge, carrying a Taser and other equipment, and had a manifesto that "identified many lawmakers and other officials."
Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson confirmed the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer, exploiting the trust of their uniforms.
US attorney general Pam Bondi said the FBI is investigating the incident, and a manhunt is underway for the suspect.

Statistics:

55: The age of State Representative Melissa Hortman
6: The number of years Hortman served as speaker of the Minnesota house of representatives
2: The number of children Hortman and her husband Mark had
1: The number of daughter John Hoffman and his wife Yvette have
2012: The year John Hoffman was first elected
2004: The year Melissa Hortman was first elected
2: The number of politicians targeted in the attack

Sources:

Alex Kormann/Star Tribune via AP
AFP PHOTO / Minnesota Senate photographer's office
MINNESOTA SENATE PHOTOGRAPHER'S OFFICE, PAUL BATTAGLIA/Minnesota State Legislature/AFP via Getty Images
Local police officials
Governor Tim Walz
Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson
US attorney general Pam Bondi
US president Donald Trump

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