Police believe the shooter was posing as a law enforcement officer.
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — Officials have informed KARE 11 that two DFL state legislators, along with the spouse of one of them, were involved in “targeted” shooting incidents.
Governor Tim Walz shared that State Representative and former Speaker Melissa Hortman from Brooklyn Park and her husband were fatally shot. Additionally, State Senator John Hoffman from Champlin and his wife suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Both were shot at their homes and police believe the shooter was posing as a law enforcement officer.
The shootings transpired early Saturday morning in both Brooklyn Park and Champlin, where Sen. Hoffman resides in Champlin and Rep. Hortman in Brooklyn Park. Currently, it remains uncertain whether the suspect has been captured or if the search is ongoing.
“I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park,” Gov. Tim Walz said in a social media post on Saturday morning. “The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene. We will share more information soon.”
Walz said he’s activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
Earlier, the Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a “shelter in place” alert for a neighborhood on Saturday morning as it searches for a suspect.
The alert is for a 3-mile radius surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course.
Police are looking for a suspect in “multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous.” They say there is an extensive manhunt underway.
The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair who is wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. According to the alert, he may be representing himself as law enforcement.
Police said the public should not approach this suspect if they see him and should call 911 immediately. No further information has been released.
This is a developing story. KARE 11 will provide more details as new information becomes available.
