Two state lawmakers were shot along with one of the spouses of the lawmakers in “targeted” attacks early Saturday morning, sources tell Alpha News.
Two of those shot are Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Champlin, and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park. Both were shot at their homes and police responding to the incidents believe the shooter, or shooters, were posing as a law enforcement officer, according to sources.
Police placed a shelter-in-place alert to areas near the reported shootings, indicating the alert is for a 3-mile radius surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park.
A number of elected officials have released statements following the reports.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is planning to hold a 9:30 a.m. press conference to provide the public with details as they emerge.
Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement that he has been briefed “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,” Walz added.
House Speaker Lisa Demuth issued a statement on Saturday morning on the shooting.
“I am shocked and horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight,” Demuth said. “Please lift up in prayer the victims, as well as the law enforcement personnel working to apprehend the perpetrator.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Hank Long
Hank Long is a journalism and communications professional whose writing career includes coverage of the Minnesota legislature, city and county governments and the commercial real estate industry. Hank received his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, where he studied journalism, and his law degree at the University of St. Thomas. The Minnesota native lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and four children. His dream is to be around when the Vikings win the Super Bowl.
