The Minnesota Lynx WNBA coach Cheryl Reeve has strongly condemned ‘radicalization’ and the concept of ‘white power’ during a heartfelt press conference following the tragic shooting of a Democratic lawmaker.

A gunman, masquerading as a police officer, entered the Champlin home of Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday, shooting both and leaving them critically wounded. The shooter then moved on to the residence of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, where she and her husband were fatally shot.

Reeve, who has previously criticized President Trump for his views on transgender athletes and for not inviting her championship-winning team to the White House during his first term, appeared to suggest that his ascent to power may have contributed to this radicalization.

A former appointee of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Vance Luther Boelter, is being sought by police in connection to the killings.

‘It seems pretty meaningless,’ Reeve said before becoming tearful and taking a moment to compose herself. ‘It’s certainly hitting close to home.

‘It’s a really difficult time, not just in our country but in the world. The radicalization that has occurred since, I think it is very clear, the timing of when our country started to turn. Today is a tough day all around.

‘Basketball is what we do and we’ll go out there and do what we do but when our game is over, god knows what we are going to come off the court and learn what is happening.’

Writings found inside a fake police car recovered at one of the shooting scenes mentioned the names of multiple lawmakers and other officials, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said. 

Reeve continued: ‘It is sickening. You know, obviously, but for the families, I can’t imagine. Thankfully State Senator Hoffman appears to be ok. 

‘Life just got a little bit more difficult for lawmakers, more difficult for those serving our community when you have someone who went to the extent that they did to impersonate those we are trusting with safety. It is a sick time.

Asked about ‘this time of more and more division’ and the WNBA’s message ‘of inclusion’, Reeve said: ‘I was thinking about the era, the political era of leadership, the term politically correct actually means kindness and thinking of others.

‘When that became weaponized, when inlcusion became weaponized, it is a time now more than ever when we need to stand in that and inclusion is the path. 

‘It has been met with a lot of resistance and that is the way of the world. It is all rooted in power – white power, no less.’

Reeve’s Lynx team played and won 101-78 against Los Angeles Sparks at the Target Center in Minnesota on Saturday afternoon.

The Minnesota Vikings, meanwhile, said in a statement on Saturday: ‘As Minnesotans and a team that cares deeply about our state, we are shocked and saddened by the targeted overnight attacks that took the lives of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and seriously injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. 

‘Our organization has worked closely with both legislators and appreciated their duties as civil servants. 

‘Speaker Emerita Hortman was a friend of the Vikings for more than 15 years and a tremendous state leader who worked tirelessly to make Minnesota a better place for all residents. 

‘She was a mother, a wife and a friend who genuinely cared about people and relationships. Our prayers are with the Hortman family as they grieve this tragedy and with all government officials who are mourning the loss of a colleague and friend. 

‘We hope for fast and full recoveries for Senator Hoffman and Yvette and safety for all members of law enforcement who continue to search for those responsible.

‘These senseless acts should have no place in our communities, our state or our society.

‘We must all unequivocally condemn political violence, reject hateful division, and deliberately work toward mutual respect, compassion and unity.’