Manhunt Underway After Minnesota Lawmakers Shot in Targeted Home Attacks by Suspect Impersonating Police

Executive Summary

Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, both Democrats, were gravely injured in early morning shootings at their homes in what authorities are calling coordinated, targeted attacks. The suspected gunman, believed to be impersonating a police officer, remains at large. The attacks occurred within hours of each other in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, triggering a massive manhunt, a shelter-in-place order, and the activation of Minnesota’s State Emergency Operations Center.

Analysis

In a shocking act of political violence, two prominent Minnesota lawmakers were shot early Saturday morning by an assailant who may have been posing as a police officer. The attacks, which took place at the residences of Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, occurred in the northern Minneapolis suburbs of Champlin and Brooklyn Park—roughly eight miles apart. Authorities confirmed both legislators and their spouses were wounded. Their conditions remain critical as of the latest reports.

Law enforcement described the attacks as “targeted” and issued a region-wide shelter-in-place alert around the Edinburgh Golf Course area. The suspect, described as a white male wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and pants, is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Authorities warned residents not to answer the door for individuals claiming to be law enforcement unless two officers are present or their identities are confirmed via 911.

The attack marks an unprecedented breach of political security in Minnesota and has drawn condemnation from state leaders. Governor Tim Walz, who arrived on the scene shortly after the attacks, activated the State Emergency Operations Center and pledged full state resources to apprehend the perpetrator. The FBI has also joined the investigation.

Community leaders, including Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom, emphasized the dangers of escalating threats against public officials and urged calm and vigilance among protesters and residents alike. The incident has raised alarms about the impersonation of law enforcement personnel and the broader risks facing elected officials amid rising political polarization.

No motive has been confirmed, though the timing and method of the attacks suggest premeditation. Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage and forensic evidence from the two crime scenes, and multiple law enforcement agencies are now coordinating the ongoing search.

Sources

• FOX 9: Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman among 2 Minnesota lawmakers shot in overnight attacks

• NBC News: ‘Targeted shootings’ in Minnesota, suspect may be impersonating officer

• ABC News: 2 Minnesota lawmakers shot in targeted incidents, manhunt underway

• MPR News: Police investigating targeted shootings in northwest Twin Cities suburbs