Minnesota Cancels ‘No Kings’ Protests as Police Search for Gunman in Lawmaker Attacks

Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband Killed, Another Injured in Suspected Targeted Attacks; ‘No Kings’ Protests Cancelled.

A 57-year-old man, posing as a police officer, is the subject of a statewide manhunt after allegedly carrying out deadly attacks on two Minnesota lawmakers and their families in what Governor Tim Walz condemned as “targeted political violence.”

Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker, and her husband Mark were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park early Saturday. In a separate attack shortly afterward, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in their Champlin residence. Both were rushed to a hospital and are in recovery.

Authorities said the suspect arrived at Hortman’s home in a vehicle designed to resemble a police SUV, complete with emergency lights and markings. He reportedly exchanged gunfire with responding officers before fleeing on foot through the backyard.

“The suspect exploited public trust by impersonating law enforcement,” said Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson. “This betrayal strikes at the heart of what our uniforms represent.”

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed that a manifesto was found inside the fake patrol vehicle. The document contained names of lawmakers and public officials — including both victims — suggesting a politically motivated plot. Flyers linked to the “No Kings” anti-government movement were also recovered, prompting authorities to urge the cancellation of planned protests across the state as a precautionary measure.

“Out of an abundance of caution, we advised against gathering today,” said State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic, emphasizing there was no specific threat against the protests but acknowledging the suspect’s apparent ideological ties.

Governor Tim Walz expressed grief and outrage at the attacks.

“We must stand united against political violence in all forms. The perpetrators will be held accountable,” Walz said.

The killings have deeply shaken the state’s political community. Hortman, a Democrat first elected in 2004, was a key legislative leader and a powerful voice in Minnesota politics. She and her husband leave behind two children.

Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat, was elected in 2012 and previously served as vice chair of the Anoka-Hennepin School Board, Minnesota’s largest school district. The FBI and U.S. Department of Justice have joined the investigation. In a statement, President Donald Trump called the attacks “horrific” and pledged full federal cooperation.

“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God bless the great people of Minnesota,” Trump said. Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, condemned the violence and called the attack “pure evil.”

“I am heartbroken beyond words,” Demuth said, urging Minnesotans to keep the victims and law enforcement in their prayers. The incident has reignited concerns over growing political extremism and threats against public officials. Gabrielle Giffords, former U.S. Representative and gun violence survivor, released a powerful statement:

“An attack against lawmakers is an attack on democracy itself,” said Giffords. “Leaders must condemn the violent extremism threatening everything this country stands for.” A “shelter-in-place” advisory remains in effect in parts of Brooklyn Park and Champlin as law enforcement continues their search. No arrests had been made as of Saturday evening.