Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman assassinated; manhunt for suspect posing as cop

Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed early Saturday in what appears to be a "politically motivated assassination," Gov. Tim Walz said.

"Out state lost a great leader and I lost the dearest of friends," Walz said during a news conference.

"We must all, Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Walz said.

Minnesota Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also each shot multiple times, Walz said. They remained alive as of Saturday morning.

"We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt," Walz said.

Authorities said the suspect appeared to impersonate a police officer at the lawmakers' homes. Authorities are still searching for the assailant.

Officials said that they identified the suspect's car, which had lights and sirens resembling a police car, NBC News reports.

Officials also found a "manifesto" naming other lawmakers.

"We have people of interest that we are looking for," authorities said, per NBC News.

President Donald Trump has been "briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota," according to a statement.

Trump said that anybody involved will be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law."

Attorney General Pam Bondi said that she is "closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers."

Bondi said the FBI is on the ground in Minnesota and working with state and local law enforcement.

"This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Bondi wrote on X.

This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates.