14
Jun
Jun
FORMER MINNESOTA HOUSE SPEAKER MELISSA HORTMAN AND HUSBAND ASSASSINATED BY SUSPECT IMPERSONATING POLICE OFFICER
-
CapitalTimesNews / 6 days
- 0
- 2 min read
A tragic incident unfolded in Minnesota on Saturday, June 14, 2025, when a suspect impersonating a police officer shot and killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home in Brooklyn Center. The suspect, who remains at large, had earlier attacked State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in a similar manner about 8 miles away. According to reports, the suspect used law-enforcement like flashing lights to approach the homes, gaining the trust of his victims before opening fire. Senator Hoffman and his wife underwent surgery for their injuries, while their daughter, protected by her mother, appears to be physically uninjured. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the attack on the Hoffmans as a “politically motivated assassination.” The suspect’s vehicle was found by police, containing a manifesto with a hit list that included Hortman, Hoffman, and U.S. Senator Tina Smith, all Democrats. Rep. Lisa Demuth, the current Speaker of the Minnesota House, expressed her heartbreak over Hortman’s death, highlighting her profound impact on the institution and her leadership. “She has had a profound impact on this institution and on my own leadership,” Demuth said. Melissa Hortman served as Speaker of the Minnesota House from 2019 until Democrats lost their majority in last year’s elections. She was known for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and her efforts to find pragmatic solutions to the state’s challenges. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to apprehend the suspect and understand the motivations behind the attacks. Neighbors in the affected areas are currently on lockdown as the search for the suspect continues.