Two Minnesota State Lawmakers Shot, One Killed, in ‘Politically Motivated’ Attack

Giselle Ruhiyyih Ewing

Two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes early Saturday, in what Gov. Tim Walz [pictured right] called "politically motivated" 

An unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota," Walz said at a press briefing later Saturday morning.  " My good friend and colleague, [former] Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically-motivated assassination."

Hortman and his wife, Yvette, were also “each shot multiple times,” but both were out of surgery as of mid-morning.

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

The pair of shootings, which rocked Minnesota and drew a wave of condemnation nationwide, appears to be just the latest incident of politically fueled violence in the country, including two Israeli embassy staffers killed in Washington last month.

Authorities identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as a suspect in the shooting.

President Donald Trump issued a statement on the Saturday shootings, confirming the violence “appears to be a targeted attack.”

“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” Trump said. “Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”3