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Shootings of politicians in Minnesota: Speaker Melissa Hortman killed

Separate but related attacks at the homes of two Democrats. The attacker allegedly posed as an agent

Two separate but related attacks have struck at the heart of Minnesota politics. Melissa Hortman, Democratic speaker of the state House, was killed with her husband in their home in Champlin, a suburb north of Minneapolis. Shortly afterwards, another attack involved State Senator John Hofmann and his wife in nearby Brooklyn Park: both wounded, they are out of danger.

According to authorities, the attacker – still on the run and believed to be armed – posed as a law enforcement officer to get close to the victims. The FBI is now involved in the search for the suspect, while Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has activated the state’s emergency centre and openly spoke of a “politically motivated murder”.

“An unspeakable tragedy. Melissa was a dear friend and colleague,” Walz said at a press conference. The two affected locations, Champlin and Brooklyn Park, are about 13 kilometres apart.

US President Donald Trump also intervened, strongly condemning the incident: ‘Such horrific violence will not be tolerated. Our Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI will pursue those responsible with the utmost severity’.

The investigation is ongoing, as the state mourns one of its best-known political figures and holds its breath for the culprit to be caught.

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