Minnesota Mourns Melissa Hortman After Fatal Shooting

Minnesota is grieving the tragic deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, who were discovered dead in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning. Authorities have confirmed that their deaths are linked to a series of targeted attacks that also left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife injured.

Police were called to the Hortman residence after reports of suspicious activity just before sunrise. When officers arrived, they confronted a man impersonating a police officer. The suspect exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before fleeing the scene.

Inside the home, officers found the bodies of Melissa and Mark Hortman. Investigators are now working to determine the motive behind the attacks and believe the crimes may have been politically driven.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, FBI, and local police departments are collaborating in a statewide manhunt for the suspect. Authorities have urged residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious individuals or activity.

Melissa Hortman had been a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for over two decades and most recently served as Speaker. She was known for her dedication to education reform, renewable energy initiatives, and community improvement efforts.

Her husband, Mark, was a respected technology professional known for his integrity, kindness, and devotion to family. Together, they were active and admired figures in their community.

Governor Tim Walz expressed profound sorrow, calling the tragedy an unbearable loss for Minnesota and praising the couple for their lifelong dedication to service and civic leadership.