Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman killed, State Sen. John Hoffman wounded in 'targeted political violence'
abcnews.go.com
A manhunt is underway for the gunman who was impersonating a police officer and had a list of possible targets, officials said.

Two Minnesota state lawmakers were shot in apparent “targeted” incidents on Saturday that left them in grave condition, officials said, and a manhunt is now underway for the gunman.

A source familiar with the matter tells ABC News that the victims are state Sen. John Hoffman and state Rep. Melissa Hortman.

Both were shot at their homes and authorities believe the shooter was impersonating law enforcement, the source said.

  • Boddhisatva@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    15 hours ago

    The article has been updated on this matter. They are now reporting that the officers encountered the suspect at Sen. Hortman’s home when they arrived and exchanged gunfire.

    After Hoffman was shot, officers were heading to pro-actively check on Hortman when they encountered the suspect at Hortman’s Brooklyn Park home around 3:35 a.m., Evans said.

    The officers found a person who was dressed as a police officer – wearing a vest and a badge, and with a Taser and other equipment – at the door, coming out of Hortman’s house, police said.

    The suspect fired at the officers; gunfire was exchanged and the suspect was able to escape and flee on foot, authorities said.

    The suspect’s vehicle – which looked like a police vehicle, including police lights – was in Hortman’s driveway, authorities said.

    As for how he got the gear and vehicle, the suspect and his wife run Praetorian Guard Services which advertises itself as a provider of armed security. They have weapons, body armor, tasers, and use Ford Explorer SUVs just like the local police do.