Thanks to West St. Paul Chiropractic for their support.
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home early this morning by a shooter who posed as a police officer and left a manifesto identifying lawmakers and the officials. Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and seriously injured in their home.
Police exchanged gunfire with a man outside Hortman’s Brooklyn Park home. He escaped on foot and is considered armed and dangerous. (Update: The shooter has now been caught.)
Ongoing search and safety: There is a shelter in place order for areas of Brooklyn Park (Update: now lifted). In light of the shooter’s impersonating police, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said residents should call 911 if a police officer comes to your door and dispatch could confirm the identity of an officer. Additionally, he said they’re trying to send police in teams of two and not to respond to a lone officer. Police are asking for the public’s help in locating the shooter.
Today’s protests: Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota State Patrol are recommending people not attend today’s protest rallies until the shooter is apprehended. Organizers said the protests would go on with heightened security.
Officials React:
- President Donald Trump: “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!” (Star Tribune)
- Governor Tim Walz: “This was an act of targeted political violence. Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.” (Star Tribune)
- Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan: “We can’t become intimidated by this act of terrorism. This will not stop me and it should not stop you. We must keep fighting for all of the values that Melissa held so dear.” (Twitter)
- U.S. Senator 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.” (Twitter)
- U.S. Senator Tina Smith: “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.” (Twitter)
- U.S. Rep. Angie Craig: “I am absolutely devastated by the loss of my friend, Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Melissa was a force for good and a dedicated public servant who devoted her career to improving the lives of Minnesotans.” (Twitter)
- State Senator Matt Klein: “I’m devastated by the tragic shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. I ache for the families of my friend Rep. Hortman and her husband Mark. I’m holding close my friend John and his wife Yvette as they fight to recover. This is a heartbreaking day for Minnesota. We must stand together. We must become better.” (Twitter)
- “We run for office not to aggrandize ourselves, but to uplift all, especially the powerless. We are not here to attack and insult; we are here to find unity and deliver for Minnesota. This is a job, and it comes with expectations. These are the things we all have learned from Hortman and Hoffman, if we were watching. Those humble aims require courage, and integrity, and hard work. We’ve learned this from them as well. They require an unwavering focus on the people who cast their votes, either for us or against us. … We can honor them best by following their example.” (Twitter)
- State Senator Sandy Pappas: “I’m devastated over the loss of such an amazing leader. Political violence has no place in a democracy. Speaker Melissa Hortman- May her memory be a blessing to us all.” (Facebook)
- Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega: “Prayers to the families of my colleagues. I will miss you Madam Speaker Hortman. Melissa my sparring coach. Thank you for the good times and your leadership. For your service. I’m devastated. We will move forward together for justice and hold onto your legacy. My amigo Sen Hoffman and your dearest Yvette I pray for your recovery. Amor, Paz y Pa’lante siempre.” (Twitter)
- Dakota County Sheriff Joe Leko: “This tragedy shakes the very foundation of safety in our homes and communities. Our commitment to your safety in the face of evil will never waver. The Sheriff’s Office and your Dakota County city police departments remain steadfast in our mission to protect and serve with integrity, transparency, and care. Know that we are here and are taking every precaution to ensure your safety. We will meet this moment together with strength, compassion, and resolve.” (Facebook)
- Dakota County Commissioner Joe Atkins: “Right now isn’t about politics or parties. It’s about people—friends, family, neighbors. This is a time to come together in sorrow, in compassion, and in strength. The individual who committed this senseless act—who lived until recently here in Inver Grove—is where our outrage belongs, not toward one another. Let’s meet this moment with kindness. Check on your neighbors. Extend grace. We need each other now more than ever. As this heartbreaking situation continues to unfold, please hold in your hearts the first responders risking everything to keep our communities safe.” (Facebook)
- West St. Paul City Council Member Wendy Berry: “Speaker Hortman and Senator Hoffman ran for their respective roles because they believed in making their communities better. Sure, they expected disagreements and knew their votes would never make 100% of the people happy 100% of the time. That’s part of the job. Violence of any kind isn’t.” (Facebook)
- West St. Paul City Council Member Lisa Eng-Sarne: “People have been dehumanizing each other and dehumanizing good public servants for too long and it makes me sick and heartbroken. Representative Hortman was a good person and a good public servant. I am holding her, her family, Senator Hoffman and his family, and every other public servant close in my heart today. None of these victims would have thought of solving a problem the way this shooter did, violence will not save any of us. Please stay safe, friends.” (Facebook)
- Former West St. Paul Council Member Julie Eastman: “Anyone who has run for office or been elected have feared violence. Thinking of all of our elected officials today. Thank you for your service.” (Facebook)
June 24, 2025 Update: City Council Resolution
At the June 23, 2025 meeting, the West St. Paul City Council passed a resolution honoring Melissa and Mark Hortman. It reads in part:
In honoring their memory, we take inspiration from the words of their children:
“Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”
We encourage our fellow cities, counties, and institutions across Minnesota, the United States and the World to join us in rejecting political violence and polarizing rhetoric, affirming the importance of respectful dialogue, the safety of all people, and a democratic culture where free speech is protected and public service is valued.
News coverage happens thanks to our members. Join now to support neighborhood news.
