The Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz, has confirmed that former House Speaker, Melissa Hortman, and her husband were killed in a politically motivated shooting on Saturday.
Another state legislator was wounded in what authorities describe as a targeted attack.
This is a politically motivated act of violence,” Walz said in a statement Saturday afternoon, calling the shootings “a direct assault on our democracy.” 
State Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman were identified as victims, along with Hoffman’s wife, who was also shot.
Earlier, Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas stated that two state lawmakers were shot in their homes in the early hours of Saturday.
Hoffman, a Democrat first elected in 2012, is the founder of Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He previously served as vice chair of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board, which oversees Minnesota’s largest school district. He is married and has one daughter
A source familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press that authorities believe the suspect may have posed as a law enforcement officer to gain access.
As of the the time of filing this report, the motive is still under investigation, and law enforcement officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect.
Hortman, also a Democrat, served as Speaker of the Minnesota House and was the chamber’s top Democratic leader.
She was first elected in 2004 and was known for her legal background and legislative leadership.
She was married and had two children.
Both legislators represented districts located north of Minneapolis.
The attack comes amid a broader climate of political tension, with elected officials across the country increasingly facing threats, harassment, and violence.
