Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman as well as Rep. Melissa Hortman, both Democrats, were shot in the targeted shootings overnight in Champlin and Brooklyn Park respectively.
Two Minnesota state lawmakers as well as their spouses were shot in a what is being described as a targeted shooting as the suspect impersonating a police officer, according to a report from Fox 9. Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman as well as her husband were killed in the shootings while Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were hospitalized.
Hoffman and Hortman, both Democrats, were shot in the targeted shootings overnight in Champlin and Brooklyn Park respectively. Police were on the hunt for the suspect after the shooting took place, the outlet reported. The suspect is a white man with brown hair and is wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants and may be impersonating law enforcement.
Reporter Karen Scullin with Fox 9 said that there was a "manifesto with list of lawmakers found in [a] vehicle" and that the "SUV was fully decked out in police lights. Looked real, but wasn't."
The Blaze's Julio Rosas reported that the suspect in the case is Vance Luther Boelter, who Rosas said "It appears it is the same Boelter who was appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2019 by Gov. Tim Walz. He appointed to the Governor's Workforce Development Council in 2016 by then-Gov. Mark Dayton."
Following the shooting, multiple "No Kings" protests in the surrounding areas were canceled after flyers with "No Kings" were found in the suspect's vehicle. The protests are slated to be taking place across the country in opposition to President Donald Trump on Saturday.
Residents in the area were ordered to shelter in place and if the suspect is seen to not approach him, as he is considered to be armed and dangerous.
Hoffman represents the Senate District 34 in the state of Minnesota while Hortman represents District 34B. The shelter-in-place order was given at around 5:30am in the area of the Edinburgh Golf Course.
President Donald Trump said of the shooting, "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and 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!"
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz commented on the shooting, "I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene." He added that he was "cautiously optimistic" that Hoffman and his wife would survive.
Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom commented in response to the shooting, "I'm just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we'd be here. My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families. I hope everyone comes out of this ok. I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok. My understanding is that its someone cos-playing as a officer and they haven't been caught. For those going out to protest today please do it safely and if something looks off say something we do not need anyone else to get hurt."
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