Armed suspect in fake police body armor still at large as FBI joins massive manhunt – residents ordered to shelter in place
A manhunt is underway after two Minnesota politicians and their spouses were shot in their homes by a gunman reportedly posing as a police officer in what authorities are calling “targeted” attacks.
State senator John Hoffman and state representative Melissa Hortman were targeted, according to local mayor Ryan Sabas.
Both lawmakers are in “grave condition,” according to ABC News, after being shot at their separate homes in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Mr Sabas said Mr Hoffman’s wife was also shot. Reuters news agency reported that Ms Hortman’s partner was shot too.
Fake cop in body armor terrorizes lawmakers
The suspect remains at large and is described as “armed and dangerous” – a white male with brown hair wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants, attempting to impersonate a police officer.
Police are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous,” Brooklyn Park Police said in an emergency alert sent to residents at 5:30 a.m.
A second emergency alert sent at 7 a.m. confirmed that the suspect is dressed like a police officer.
Authorities urged residents of the Champlin and Brooklyn Park areas to stay in their homes.
First attack at 2am
The first shooting happened just after 2 a.m. on Saturday at the Champlin home of State Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat who has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013.
Hoffman suffered at least two gunshot wounds while his wife Yvette was shot three times.
Senator Hoffman was elected to Senate in 2012 and is serving his fourth term representing District 34 which includes Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
Second home targeted miles away
A second shooting happened a few miles south, near the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park, at the home of State Representative Melissa Hortman, who has served in the House since 2005. She’s also the Democratic leader in the Minnesota House. Both Hortman and her husband Mark were shot.
The two shooting locations were about 8 miles away from each other in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, just north of Minneapolis.
Hortman, 55, represents District 34 B and was minority leader between 2017 and 2019 before becoming speaker from 2019 to 2025.
Both Democrats in critical condition
They are both members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Multiple sources have confirmed to local media that both lawmakers are in “grave condition” following the overnight attacks.
Hortman is the former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Governor activates emergency center
In a Facebook post, Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota, said: “I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene. We will share more information soon.”
In an update he added: “I’ve activated the State Emergency Operations Center.”
Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.
FBI joins massive manhunt
The FBI is helping with the manhunt, two sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is also on the scene.
Law enforcement officers including local police, sheriffs and the FBI, staged less than a mile from the shooting scenes as the search intensified.
Brooklyn Park and Champlin are both north of Minneapolis.
‘Evil coward dressed as protector’
The executive director of the Minnesota Sheriff’s Association, in a Facebook post, said that “an evil coward dressed as a protector, went to the homes of two Minnesota elected officials and shot them.
Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom condemned the attacks in a social media post.
I’m just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we’d be here. My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families. I hope everyone comes out of this ok.”
Violence against officials condemned
The mayor added: “I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok.”
My understanding is that its someone cos-playing as a officer and they haven’t been caught.”
For those going out to protest today please do it safely and if something looks off say something we do not need anyone else to get hurt.
Shelter in place order
A shelter in place order has been issued for people in a 3 mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park.
Anyone who sees the suspect is urged to call 911 immediately. He’s armed and should not be approached.
Brooklyn Park Police Lieutenant Hjelm was seen setting up a perimeter with police tape near the scene of one of the shootings.
Breaking story continues
This is a developing story with law enforcement agencies across Minnesota mobilizing to locate the armed suspect who targeted two elected officials and their families in what appears to be a coordinated attack on Democratic lawmakers.
The motive for the attacks remains unknown as the investigation continues and the hunt for the gunman intensifies.
