Washington, June 15, (dpa/GNA) – US Democrat politician Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, in an apparent politically motivated shooting, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said on Saturday, while another Democrat lawmaker and his spouse were injured in a shooting nearby.

“My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa and her husband, Mark were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination,” Walz said.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning at the couple’s home in the town of Brooklyn Park, the authorities said.

In another attack in nearby Champlin, a Democratic state senator, John Hoffman, and his wife were seriously injured after being shot multiple times.

Both are receiving medical treatment and were said to be in a serious but stable condition. Waltz said he was cautiously optimistic they would survive.

The suspected perpetrator is reportedly on the run, and a large-scale manhunt is under way.

The man is said to have posed as a police officer. He reportedly parked in the driveway of his victims’ home in a vehicle with blue lights flashing. When confronted by officers, a person stepped out, dressed in police uniform.

He opened fire, according to authorities, and a shootout ensued. The suspect retreated into the house then managed to flee. Police then discovered Hortman and her husband inside the house.

“This was not a real police officer,” officials said, adding he had identified himself as a police officer and exploited people’s trust in the badge and uniform to gain access to the house.

During a search of the vehicle, investigators said they found a manifesto naming several officials. Additional protection has now been put in place for those listed.
GNA