Minnesota Democratic Leader, Husband Killed in Political Assassination

Minnesota House Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus leader Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed in what Governor Tim Walz described as a politically motivated assassination. Earlier, Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times but survived after surgery. The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, a security company employee, impersonated a police officer during the attacks and remains at large amid a massive manhunt. Police found a manifesto and a hit list in Boelter's vehicle containing nearly 70 names, including lawmakers and abortion providers, indicating a targeted political motive. Brooklyn Park is currently under a shelter-in-place order as hundreds of officers and SWAT teams search for the suspect. Officials have urged the public to verify law enforcement identity before opening doors to prevent further attacks.