CHAMPLIN, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota mayor says two state lawmakers were shot in their homes early Saturday.
Champlin’s Mayor, Ryan Sabas, announced that state senator John Hoffman and state representative Melissa Hortman, along with Hoffman’s wife, were victims of a shooting incident.
An individual with insider knowledge informed The Associated Press that investigators suspect the perpetrator might have disguised themselves as a law enforcement officer. The investigation is still in its initial phases, as authorities work to determine the motive behind the shootings.
Gov. Tim Walz said the shooting was targeted.
Senator Hoffman, affiliated with the Democratic party, began his tenure in 2012. He is the proprietor of Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consultancy company. Before his legislative role, he was the vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which oversees the largest school district in Minnesota.
Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Hortman is the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker.
She was first elected in 2004. Hortman, a lawyer, is married and has two children.
Both Hoffman and Hortman represent districts located north of Minneapolis.
