Public Told To Avoid No Kings Protests After 'Assassination' Of MN Lawmaker

BROOKLYN PARK, MN — A statewide manhunt is underway after what Gov. Tim Walz described as a "politically motivated assassination" that left former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead early Saturday morning at their Brooklyn Park home.

In a related attack, Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times and remain hospitalized following surgery.

As the armed suspect remains at large, law enforcement officials are urging Minnesotans to avoid political rallies and protests, including events planned by the "No Kings" movement.

FULL COVERAGE: 'Manifesto' Found In SUV Used By MN Lawmaker's Accused Killer, Police Say

“Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today’s planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution,” the Minnesota State Patrol said Saturday.

“Out of an abundance of caution, my Department of Public Safety is recommending that people do not attend any political rallies today in Minnesota until the suspect is apprehended,” Gov. Tim Walz posted on social media.

Active Manhunt, Shelter-in-Place Alert

The City of Brooklyn Park issued an emergency alert early Saturday, warning residents near Edinburgh Golf Course to shelter in place as officers search for the suspect:

“Brooklyn Park Police Department issuing shelter in place order in 3 mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course for an emergent event. Police are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous. Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement. Do not approach. Call 911.”

Police say the suspect impersonated a law enforcement officer and was driving a vehicle that looked like a squad car, complete with lights and other markings. He exchanged gunfire with officers at Hortman’s home around 3:30 a.m. before fleeing.

Authorities believe he also shot Hoffman and his wife at their Champlin home around 2 a.m.

Remembering Melissa Hortman

Hortman had represented Brooklyn Park and the surrounding area since 2004. She was a major DFL figure and former Speaker of the Minnesota House, known for her work on clean energy, transportation, and education.

She and her husband raised two children there and were deeply active in their community.

“The state has lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends,” Walz said. “She was a giant in Minnesota public life.”

National Reaction

The shooting has drawn widespread condemnation. Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords, herself the survivor of a targeted political shooting, said she was “horrified and heartbroken.”

“An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself,” she said.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth called the attack “evil” and asked for prayers for the victims and first responders. Autopsies are underway, but authorities confirmed that Hortman and her husband died from gunshot wounds.

President Donald Trump was briefed on the shootings and issued the following statement:

"I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"

Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story.