A shooting in a quiet neighborhood has left a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband dead. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband Mark were found shot at their home.
Another politician, John Hoffman, and his wife were also shot and injured at their home. Authorities believe these were targeted attacks.
Governor Tim Walz says the killings appear to be a politically motivated assassination. He adds that the injured couple is in critical condition but expected to survive.
The attacks happened early Saturday morning. Police got a call about a shooting at the Hoffman’s home around 2 am. Then, they got another call about a shooting at the Hortman’s home around 3:35 am.
When police arrived at the Hortman’s home, they found a car that looked like a police car with flashing lights. A man, dressed as a police officer, came out of the house and started shooting at the police. The police shot back, and the suspect ran back into the house.
The suspect was not a real police officer, but was dressed like one. He escaped through the back door, but police found his car and are now searching for him.
In the suspect’s car, police found a list of other politicians and government officials. They are now warning those people and increasing their security.
Police also found a flyer for a protest called “No Kings” that was scheduled for the same day. Governor Walz is warning people not to attend the protest until the suspect is caught.
The people of Brooklyn Park are being warned to be careful and not to open their doors to anyone who claims to be a police officer but is alone.
Source: bbc