Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says former state Home Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband have been killed in a politically motivated assassination. A second lawmaker and his spouse have been shot and wounded.
“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said at a press conference Saturday. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”
The wounded lawmaker was recognized as state Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting agency. He beforehand served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin Faculty Board, which manages the most important faculty district in Minnesota.
Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Hortman was the highest Home Democratic chief within the state Legislature and a former Home speaker. She was first elected in 2004.
Each Hoffman and Hortman represented districts situated north of Minneapolis.
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Legal Apprehension, mentioned that authorities have been actively trying to find a suspect. Officers mentioned the suspect was dressed as a regulation enforcement officer.
Autopsies shall be executed to find out extent of accidents, however Hortman and her partner died from gunshot wounds, Evans mentioned.
Public Security Commissioner Bob Johnson mentioned the suspect was posing as a regulation enforcement officer.
“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,” he mentioned.The shootings occurred at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated throughout a time of deep political divisions.
GIFFORDS, the nationwide gun violence prevention group led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, launched the next assertion.
“I am horrified and heartbroken by last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants,” Giffords said. “My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.”
Giffords was shot within the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six individuals and injured 12 others. She stepped down from Congress in January 2012 to concentrate on her restoration.
This story was initially featured on Fortune.com
