Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman Killed, Senator Hoffman Injured

In a shocking and politically charged act of violence, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed early Saturday morning in what state officials have described as a "politically motivated assassination."

- CORRESPONDENT

The same assailant also targeted State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Both Hoffman and his wife underwent emergency surgery and are currently in recovery.

The incident has left the state reeling and raised serious concerns about the growing threat of political violence in the United States.

According to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday, when a suspect allegedly posed as a law enforcement officer to gain access to the lawmakers' homes. The assailant fatally shot Rep. Hortman and her husband and proceeded to target the Hoffmans at their residence, shooting both of them multiple times.

Governor Walz condemned the incident in strong terms, calling it an "assassination attempt" and affirming that authorities are treating the case with the utmost urgency.

"The Hoffmans are out of surgery at this time and receiving care. We are cautiously, optimistically hopeful that they will survive this assassination attempt," Walz stated at a press conference.