Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Saturday confirmed state Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (D) was killed in a fatal shooting being investigated as “politically motivated.”
“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 during a press conference.
“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost a dearest friend,” he added.
Her husband remains in critical condition.
Thousands of people remain sheltered in place in the city of Brooklyn Park, Minn., as local police and SWAT teams actively search for the suspect, who was reportedly impersonating a law enforcement officer. The gunman had fled out the back of Hortman’s house after briefly being confronted by the police.
President Trump was also briefed on the incident. In a statement, shared by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president said the Justice Department and FBI were investigating 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,” he said. “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!” Trump added.
State Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife were also shot multiple times early Saturday morning at their home in Champlin, Minn., located just 8 miles away from Hortman.
“Both those individuals, Senator Hoffman and his wife, are both alive at this time, but they suffered gunshot wounds and are obviously in a difficult situation, but we’re cautiously optimistic that they will continue to improve,” said Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Walz told reporters that local, state and federal authorities were working together.
“We’re committed to keeping Minnesotans informed as the situation continues, I assure you that those held those responsible for this will be held accountable, and each and every one of us are committed to making sure that a tragedy like this never repeats itself in Minnesota or across this country,” he said.
Investigators urged local residents not to answer the door for a sole police officer, noting that at this time law enforcement agents would arrive in pairs if dispatched.
“The suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms that our uniforms are meant to represent that betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” Bob Jacobson, Commissioner of Public Safety for the state of Minnesota, said at the presser.
“We want to reassure the public that there is increased security in place for elected officials and others who may be at risk if you see anything suspicious, especially involving individuals impersonating law enforcement, please report it immediately by calling 911,” Jacobson added.