Two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot overnight in what officials say were targeted attacks by a man impersonating a police officer, law enforcement sources confirmed. A manhunt is now underway across the Brooklyn Park and Champlin areas.According to FOX 9 and 5 Eyewitness News, Senator John Hoffman and Representative Melissa Hortman, both Democrats representing parts of Hennepin County, were shot in separate incidents at their homes. The condition of the lawmakers and their spouses remains unknown.The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a shelter-in-place alert around 5:30 a.m. for a three-mile radius near the Edinburgh Golf Course. The suspect is described as a white man with brown hair, dressed in black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. Authorities say he is armed, dangerous, and possibly impersonating law enforcement.“We are looking for a suspect involved in multiple targeted shootings,” Brooklyn Park police said, cautioning residents not to answer their doors unless two officers are present or unless they’ve confirmed the officer’s identity by calling 911.Two active scenes were reported: one on Windsor Terrace North, about 2.5 miles from the golf course, and another on 109th Place in Champlin, roughly 7 miles away. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Brooklyn Park is leading the investigation.
State response and local reactions
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed via X that he has activated the State Emergency Operations Center, saying: “Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them. We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon.”Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom also responded to the events, saying: “My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families… Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok. My understanding is that it’s someone cos-playing as an officer and they haven’t been caught.”No arrests have been made so far. Residents are urged to remain indoors and report suspicious activity immediately to 911.