The shooting is one of two believed to be politically motivated. The second incident targeted State Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their home in Champlin.
Walz announces that Rep. Melissa Hortman is dead as a result of a “politically motivated assassination” pic.twitter.com/BBTAhTmseV
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 14, 2025
Minnesota Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman has died following a targeted shooting at her home, Governor Tim Walz announced during a press conference Saturday.
Hortman, the Minnesota Speaker Emerita and House DFL Caucus Leader, was shot alongside her husband, who also died in the attack.
Authorities say the assailant impersonated a police officer to gain entry to the residence. The shooting is one of two believed to be politically motivated. The second incident targeted State Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their home in Champlin, approximately eight miles away. Both are reported to be out of surgery.
“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Walz stated. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
He pledged that state and federal agencies will coordinate to prevent future acts of political terror. “We will work together to make sure a tragedy like this never repeats itself,” Walz said.
The motive remains under investigation, and no arrests have been announced.