Tragedy has rocked Minnesota after Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman was shot and killed on Saturday in what officials believe may have been a politically motivated attack. The suspect, who remains at large, is accused of posing as a police officer before opening fire, also wounding Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, and killing Hortman’s husband. The chilling events unfolded just days after Hortman cast a vote that stunned many in her own party.
Earlier in the week, Hortman made headlines as the sole Democrat in the Minnesota House to support repealing taxpayer-funded healthcare coverage for undocumented adult immigrants. It was a move that immediately caused a stir, given her party’s stance on the issue.
“I know that people will be hurt by that vote, and I ‘m–we worked very hard to try and get a budget deal that wouldn’t include that provision,” she said, speaking candidly about the tough decision, according to Kttc. With the House narrowly controlled by Republicans 67-66, and the Senate under a razor-thin Democratic-Farmer-Labour Party majority of 34-33, the vote was reportedly part of a broader effort to get a stalled budget across the line.
Gov. Tim Walz is still expected to sign the deal into law despite the controversy and the shocking violence that followed. According to Alpha News, Hoffman, who is now in the hospital after undergoing surgery, had actually voted against the repeal. Four state senators, however, did side with the measure.
While no official motive has been confirmed, there are mounting suspicions that the shootings were politically charged. A photo released by the Minnesota State Patrol showed signs reading “No Kings” in the suspect’s vehicle, referencing protests that were planned across the state that day against the Trump administration. State police immediately urged the public to avoid attending the demonstrations as a precaution, citing the clear targeting of lawmakers.
The attack sent shockwaves through the political landscape, with both sides expressing shock and sorrow. Former President Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social, calling the violence “a targeted attack” and vowing justice.
“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. God bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!” Gov. Walz echoed that sentiment, speaking with emotion at a news conference.
“Our state lost a great leader,” he said, struggling to describe the impact of Hortman’s death. “Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humour, 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 and will be missed by so many Minnesotans.”
The violence has left the community grieving and asking urgent questions about what motivated such a horrific act. As the investigation continues and the suspect remains at large, safety fears are growing, and tributes to Hortman continue to pour in. The original version of this story appeared in Alpha News.