A Democratic lawmaker was shot and killed in Minnesota, another was wounded in an attack at their homes

Two Minnesota state lawmakers were shot Saturday at their homes in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, north of Minneapolis, authorities said. State Senator John Hoffman was wounded, and State Representative Melissa Hortman was killed along with her husband. Hoffman’s wife was also wounded. Both represent districts north of Minneapolis. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz considers it a targeted act of “political violence.” “Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint,” he said.

Hortman was the top Democratic leader in the state legislature and former speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She was first elected in 2004. She was a lawyer and had two children. Hoffman, also a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. Previously, he was vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which oversees Minnesota’s largest school district. Hoffman is married and has one daughter.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said authorities are searching for the suspect, who was wearing a law enforcement uniform. The suspect fired at officers who arrived at the home of one of the lawmakers. A manifesto and a list of dozens of targets —including the congresspeople shot this Saturday, other lawmakers, and pro-abortion activists — were found in his vehicle.

“Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attacks but are still in the early stages of the investigation.

The Brooklyn Park City Council asked residents to stay in their homes within a three-mile radius around a local golf course while the search continues for the suspect, who is considered “armed and dangerous,” according to a post on its Facebook page. “Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement. Do not approach,“ it warned.

Authorities have asked Minnesota residents to avoid the protests against U.S. President Donald Trump, scheduled for this Saturday under the slogan No Kings, coinciding with the first military parade in Washington since 1991. Their message includes a photograph of flyers bearing that slogan on the seat of a car, apparently the suspect’s vehicle. The organization canceled the protests in Minnesota following the authorities’ recommendation.

The pretext for the parade is the 250th anniversary of the Army, but it coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday. He has been fixated on holding a military parade since his first term and has taken advantage of the timing amid criticism from the Democratic opposition. The parade also comes as Trump has deployed the military to suppress protests in Los Angeles against his immigration policy.

“We are here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota. My good friend, a new colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, were shot and killed just this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination,” Walz said at a news conference. “Our state has lost a great leader, and I have lost a dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service. She was a formidable public servant, a fixture, and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable,” he added.

“My prayers also go out to State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were shot multiple times. The Hoffmans have come out of surgery and are receiving care, and we are cautiously optimistic that they will survive this assassination attempt,” the governor said.

“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz insisted. “This tragic act here in Minnesota should serve as a reminder to all of us that democracy and the debates in the halls of Congress, in state houses, in school boards, is a way to settle our differences peacefully and move society to a better place,” he added.

Trump, who was the target of two assassination attempts last year, addressed the attacks through Truth, his social media platform. “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,” he wrote.

“This morning Minnesota woke up to news of a brutal act of violence targeting public servants. I am heartbroken to learn that our Speaker Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman and their spouses have been shot. I’ve worked closely with these fine legislators for many years. Archie and I are grateful for the incredible response of law enforcement and hope that everyone will be safe today,” tweeted State Senator Tina Smith.