BROOKLYN PARK, MN – Two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in separate, targeted attacks overnight in their suburban Minneapolis homes, prompting a large-scale police response and a search for a suspect who is reportedly impersonating a law enforcement officer.

Key Facts

• The Victims – State Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman, both members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor party, were shot along with their spouses.
• The Suspect – Police are searching for an armed and dangerous suspect described as a white man with brown hair wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and pants, who may be impersonating a police officer.
• Official Response – A shelter-in-place order was issued for a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park, and Governor Tim Walz has activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

The attacks on two prominent Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) party members have sent shockwaves through the state and drawn condemnation from officials. The conditions of the four victims have not been publicly released.

What We Know About the Attacks

The shootings occurred in the cities of Champlin and Brooklyn Park, suburbs northwest of Minneapolis. Sources confirmed to FOX 9 that the victims were Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin and Rep. Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park, along with their respective spouses.

The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a shelter-in-place alert at 5:30 a.m. Saturday for a three-mile radius surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course. Active police scenes were established on Windsor Terrace North in Brooklyn Park and on 109th Place in Champlin, approximately seven miles apart. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an investigation is underway, with the Brooklyn Park police as the lead agency.

Manhunt for Suspect Impersonating an Officer

Authorities have released a description of the suspect, labeling him armed and dangerous. He is identified as a white man with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. A key detail in the alert is that he may be impersonating a law enforcement officer.

Residents in the affected area have been warned not to approach the suspect and to call 911 immediately if he is seen. Police have also advised citizens not to open their doors for a police officer unless two officers are present or after calling 911 to verify the officer’s identity. This unusual warning underscores the perceived threat from the suspect’s disguise.

Officials Condemn Political Violence

The shootings have prompted swift reactions from state and national political figures. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz stated he was briefed on the “ongoing situation involving targeted shootings” and has mobilized state resources to support local law enforcement.

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota called the shootings a “stunning act of violence” and expressed her support for the victims, whom she described as close friends. Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of a targeted political shooting, released a statement saying, “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.” The incidents occur amid heightened concerns over political violence in the United States. A press conference with more information is expected later today.