In the early hours of June 14, violence struck the Minnesota home of State Senator John Hoffman. Both he and his wife, Yvette, were shot and seriously wounded. According to a family member, Yvette heroically “threw herself over their daughter, Hope,” shielding her from harm. Both Hoffmans underwent surgery and are now in stable condition, though one bullet reportedly came close to the senator’s heart.

Just hours later, Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home. Authorities believe both attacks were politically motivated. “We are cautiously optimistic \[the Hoffmans] will survive this assassination attempt,” said Governor Tim Walz.

Police encountered a man dressed as an officer at the Hortman home who then opened fire on arriving officers before fleeing. A manhunt is underway involving the FBI and multiple state agencies. Residents have been warned to verify anyone claiming to be law enforcement.

President Joe Biden condemned the violence, writing, “This heinous attack motivated by politics should never happen in America.”

Melissa Hortman was a respected leader and devoted public servant. Her death, along with her husband’s, has left Minnesota grieving and shaken by political violence.