US President Donald Trump on Saturday condemned the “terrible shooting” of two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota. US President Donald Trump on Saturday condemned the “terrible shooting” of two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota , denouncing it as a targeted act of violence that he said must "never be tolerated." Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot early Saturday in what Governor Tim Walz called a "politically motivated assassination."
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also targeted and wounded in the attack, fortunately survived after undergoing surgery. “I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America," Trump said in a statement, as reported by AFP.
The Saturday morning shooting spree in two towns near Minneapolis left former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and state Senator John Hoffman and his wife injured. Authorities were actively searching for a suspect hours after the targetted killings. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a suspect, as reported by AP.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the incident during a press conference, describing it as “an assassination” and calling on the nation to unite against political violence. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable,” he said. Meanwhile, Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said the suspect was posing as a law 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 honour and responsibility,” he said. Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012.
He previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Hoffman and his wife have one daughter. He represents a district north of Minneapolis.
At the time of her death, Hortman was the top Democratic leader in the state Legislature. She was also a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004.
She and her husband had two children.
