What happened to Melissa Hortman and her husband? Details explored as Tim Walz claims it to be “politically motivated assassination“

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, US officials reported targeted shootings that occurred in Minnesota. The attack took the life of Melissa Hortman, a lawmaker in the US state of Minnesota, and her husband. The attack, which has been dubbed a “politically motivated assassination“ by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, was carried out in the couple’s home in the early hours of Saturday.

According to authorities who are currently conducting a statewide search for the suspect, the couple was shot multiple times. According to reports, the suspect may have impersonated a police officer to gain access to the deceased and carry out the attack.

More details on Melissa Hortman’s attack

During a press conference, Brooklyn Park’s police chief, Mark Bruley, explained that the suspect was dressed exactly like a police officer and also drove a look-alike police vehicle:

“They did drive a vehicle that looked exactly like an SUV squad car. It was equipped with lights, emergency lights, that looked exactly like a police vehicle, and yes, they were wearing a vest with a taser, other equipment, a badge very similar to mine, that no question, if they were in this room, you would assume that they are a police officer.”

He added that after a thorough search of the suspect’s vehicle, a list detailing the information of other lawmakers and officials was found. He states that the police have taken action, protecting the other officials whose names were on the list.

The governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, also gave a statement confirming the couple's death:

“We’re here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota. 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.”

He continued:

“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends. [Melissa Hortman] is 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.”

In addition to the murder of Melissa Hortman and her husband, another US official, Democratic State Senator John Hoffman, and his wife were also attacked. Their incident mirrors Hortman's, as both Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times in the early hours of Saturday.

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As of now, the suspect remains at large, with hundreds of officers and SWAT teams in pursuit.

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