What started as a quiet early morning in Minnesota took a terrifying turn when multiple shootings broke out at the homes of state lawmakers.
Authorities believe these were not random acts, but carefully planned attacks — possibly politically motivated — and carried out by someone pretending to be a police officer.
Early Morning Violence Rocks Lawmakers’ Neighborhoods
The violence began just after 2 a.m. on Saturday at the Champlin home of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman, located about 20 miles from Minneapolis.
According to police reports, a man and woman were shot multiple times at the scene.
Their current conditions remain unclear, but the attack has left the community shaken.
Only a short while later, another incident occurred roughly eight miles south in Brooklyn Park, this time at a residence believed to belong to State Representative Melissa Hortman, who’s been in office since 2023.
A man was shot there as well, again sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. His condition is also unknown at this time.
Gunman May Have Posed as a Police Officer
Authorities have revealed that the attacker or attackers may have been impersonating law enforcement.
One of the most disturbing details to emerge is that a suspect reportedly wore black body armor over a blue shirt and pants, clearly mimicking a police uniform.
Law enforcement now fears that more than one individual may be involved, and they believe the incidents are connected.
One Suspect in Custody, Another Still on the Run
So far, one suspect has been taken into custody after an officer-involved shooting in Brooklyn Park, according to reports from Fox9.
However, a second suspect — possibly the shooter — is still on the loose, prompting a widespread manhunt.
State of Emergency Activated by Governor Walz
Governor Tim Walz took to social media Saturday morning to address the frightening situation.
He confirmed that he had been fully briefed and called the attacks “targeted.”
In response, Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center, offering full state support to local authorities.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely,” Walz shared on X, urging Minnesotans to stay vigilant and promising more updates as soon as they become available.
Shelter-in-Place Orders Issued Around Brooklyn Park
As the search for the suspect continues, Brooklyn Park Police have issued shelter-in-place orders, initially announced around 5:30 a.m. and later expanded to a three-mile radius surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course.
A follow-up emergency alert told residents not to open their doors unless they see two uniformed officers present, and to call 911 to verify anyone claiming to be law enforcement.
Public Safety on Edge as Political Motives Are Investigated
While investigators have not yet confirmed whether the attacks were politically motivated, the fact that two elected officials were involved has rattled the local political community.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an ongoing investigation, with Brooklyn Park Police leading the case.
Officials Speak Out Amid Growing Alarm
The emotional toll of the attacks is spreading through Minnesota’s political circles.
Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom posted a deeply concerned message on X, saying he had received a safety alert meant for elected officials.
“I never thought we’d be here,” Lindstrom wrote. “Any type of violence against elected officials — or against anyone — is simply not ok.”
Community Urged to Stay Safe
Law enforcement continues to stress that the suspect still at large is armed and extremely dangerous.
Their warning includes reminders that the shooter may still be pretending to be a police officer — a tactic that makes the situation even more tense and complex.
Investigation Ongoing, Public Waiting for Answers
With multiple people hospitalized, a suspect still on the loose, and political leaders being potentially targeted, Minnesota finds itself in a deeply unsettling position.
The question now is: was this a politically charged attack, or is something even more sinister at play?
Authorities are working around the clock to get to the bottom of it — and the entire state is watching closely.