Minnesota’s world was turned upside down early Saturday morning with the news that state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their home, and State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times in what Gov. Tim Walz called a ‘politically motivated assassination.’
A manhunt for the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, has ensued in the aftermath. Residents of the Brooklyn Park, Minnesota area were sheltering in place while the search continued. That order has since been lifted after police said there was reason to believe the suspect was no longer in the area.
Many have come out to denounce the act, including the Minnesota-area sports teams. The Minnesota Vikings released a statement, condemning the actions that took place:
‘As Minnesotans and a team that cares deeply about our state, we are shocked and saddened by the targeted overnight attacks that took the lives of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and seriously injured State Senator Jon Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
‘Our organization has worked closely with both legislators and appreciated their duties as civil servants. Speaker Emerita Hortman was a friend of the Vikings for more than 15 years and a tremendous state leader who worked tirelessly to make Minnesota a better place for all residents. She was a mother, a wife and a friend who genuinely cared about people and relationships. Our prayers are with the Hortman family as they grieve this tragedy and with all government officials who are mourning the loss of a colleague and friend. We hope for fast and full recoveries for Senator Hoffman and Yvette and safety for all members of law enforcement who continue to search for those responsible.
‘These senseless acts should have no place in our communities, our state or our society. We must all unequivocally condemn political violence, reject hateful division, and deliberately work toward mutual respect, compassion and unity.’
Police are still looking for the suspected shooter.
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