Minnesota's state emergency operations center is now active following reports of what Governor Tim Walz says were targeted shootings Saturday morning in Brooklyn Park and Champlin that has left at least two dead and more seriously injured.
A shelter in place remains in effect near Edinburgh Golf Course while Brooklyn Park police are looking for a suspect who they say is armed and dangerous.
Governor Tim Walz says the shootings happened at the homes of two separate state lawmakers. They are DFL Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (Brooklyn Park) and DFL Sen. John Hoffman (Champlin). Hortman and her husband are now reported to have died. Walz says Hoffman and his wife are expected to survive.
The condition of the two is unknown at this time. There are also reports of multiple victims at both locations.
"I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park," Gov. Tim Walz said in a social media post. "The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene. We will share more information soon."
The governor also said he's activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
"I am shocked and horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight," Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth (Cold Spring) said in a statement. "Please lift up in prayer the victims, as well as the law enforcement personnel working to apprehend the perpetrator."
Senate Republican Leader Mark Johnson (R-East Grand Forks) released the following statement:
“My heart is broken over the events that unfolded overnight and the loss of life, security, and peace that we are all feeling right now," says Johnson. "The families of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and Senator John Hoffman are in my prayers. Senate Republicans are unified in our condemnation of this brazen act of violence. We thank law enforcement and Capitol Security for their coordinated effort responding to the threat and delivering justice.”
The person police are looking for is described as a white man with brown hair wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. He may be impersonating law enforcement officer.
Tyrone Robinson lives across from where Hortman and her husband were shot and killed near Edinburgh Golf Course.
He tells WCCO Radio's Susie Jones they were woken up by what they thought was an Amber Alert.
All the devices in the house started going off and we just got something saying there was a shooter on the loose that was impersonating law enforcement I guess so."
Robinson on how they reacted.
"We all woke up and made sure all the doors were locked and nobody knew what was going on so and then we just started hearing helicopters and there were squads going up and down the street so that was pretty much it.
Robinson on the shock of the situation in their relatively quiet neighborhood.
"I mean, it'd be shocking if it happened anywhere though. It's just something that you think will come out of like a movie script or something, so it's just really, really weird and sad that. This type of stuff happens just in any neighborhood."
Reaction Pouring In
"I am heartbroken and horrified by the tragic loss of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were taken from us in an act of violence," said Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. "Melissa was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and were always there for each other. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. Melissa’s legacy will endure, but today we grieve deeply. John’s and my prayers are with their children, their loved ones, and all who are mourning this devastating loss."
"I am heartbroken beyond words that Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark have died in a violent and politically motivated shooting," Sen. Tina Smith said. "Melissa was an exceptional public servant. She was smart and funny and so dedicated to making Minnesota work better for all of us. We cannot tolerate allowing our political differences to explode into political violence that threatens our safety and our democratic form of government. We are praying for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Archie and I send our prayers to the Hortman and Hoffman families. We are bereft."
"I am devastated to hear of the targeted shootings of State Senator John Hoffman and House Speaker Melissa Hortman," says MN Rep. Angie Craig. "They are great public servants and friends. And today’s news is shocking. I am closely monitoring the situation this morning, and Cheryl and I are keeping their families, colleagues and loved ones in our prayers. I’m grateful to law enforcement and first responders for their ongoing work."
Statement from President Donald J. Trump:
"I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. 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!"
"I am sickened by the assassination of Speaker Hortman and the attack on Senator Hoffman," Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said. "I have been in contact with our Commissioner, Chief and safety partners all morning, and we have assigned additional police resources to check on the safety of public officials who may be at risk, and to actively participate in the manhunt to bring this suspect to justice. Political violence is evil. It cannot be tolerated, and neither can those who condone it or make excuses for it."
"Jacquie and I ask Minnesotans and all Americans to join us in prayer for the Hortman family, as well as Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette," MN Rep. and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said. "No public official — or any American — should fear for their safety in their own home, and we condemn this despicable act of political violence. We thank law enforcement for their swift response, and we will continue to monitor the situation. Justice must be served for the attacker still at large."
I’m beyond heartbroken at the news of the death of Melissa and Mark Hortman," says Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. "Melissa and I were friends for over two decades. She was wise, she was caring, she was brilliant, and her smile lifted people up in good times and helped them through the bad. As a legislator and Speaker, Melissa relied on a strong moral compass and an unwavering dedication to her community and the state of Minnesota. She knew it was right to take care of the vulnerable. She knew it was right to stand up to bullies, to give second chances, and to embrace people without regard for personal or political differences. Melissa was a force in Minnesota politics who understood what it meant to be a public servant. She knew how to stand firm on her values but understood the importance of teamwork and compromise and never backed down from hard choices. She was tough, she was kind, and she was the best of us. Today, I am grieving for Melissa and her husband Mark. I am also grieving for Minnesota, as we try and navigate this difficult moment, when the tools of division and hateful, violent discourse have become far too common in our political and social landscapes. Through all the ups and downs of public life, Melissa never lost sight of what's right, and always stood on the side of fairness, and of justice. We can honor Melissa and Mark by doing the same. The Attorney General's Office will do whatever it can to assist law enforcement in their investigation. My heart goes out to Melissa's and Mark's two children and their families. I'm also praying for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and wish them a full and speedy recovery. And I hope Minnesotans can offer grace, care, and kindness to each other in the days ahead.
“I am wrecked. I am devastated by the assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the horrific attack on John Hoffman and his wife Yvette," Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy says. "This is an unspeakably tragic day for Minnesotans, especially the many of us fortunate enough to know them personally. We are anxiously awaiting updates about the condition of the Hoffmans. John is one of Minnesota’s great champions for people in need. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers, and the doctors and nurses, who saved and are caring for them. Our prayers are with the Hoffmans and their loved ones. Melissa Hortman was a giant and a fierce leader. She made Minnesota a better place to live. Her commitment has saved and improved lives. I will miss her, her mirthful eyes, her sharp humor and her partnership. My heart breaks for her House colleagues and staff. My heart breaks for all of us. We are in contact with our Senate members and staff and are working with law enforcement and the administration to ensure their safety. We will update the public with more information as it becomes available."