Former Speaker of the Minnesota House killed in targeted political shootings | Timeline of events

On Saturday, June 14, two Minnesota lawmakers, Senator John Hoffman and state Representative Melissa Hortman, were shot in two separate incidents while at their homes. Hortman and her husband were both killed, while Hoffman and his wife are said to be in critical condition.

Speaking at a news conference, Drew Evans, Superintendent at the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, explained how the tragic events had unfolded in the early hours in Saturday morning.

How the Minnesota shootings occurred 

At 2 a.m,, a call came in in the city of Champlin, explaining Hoffman and his wife had been shot by an individual, who we have since learned was acting alone and was impersonating a police officer, complete with uniform and even squad car. 

Police responded to the call but as they were dealing with the situation, another call came in at approximately 3:35 a.m. Following the Champlin shooting, Brooklyn Park Police offers proactively went to check on Hortman and, on arrival at her house, were met by the shooter, who immediately fired at them. The two sides exchanged gunfire, but the suspect managed to escape.  

Hoffman survives, Hortman killed

Evans revealed that lifesaving measures were provided to Hoffman and wife, who were both transported to hospital and received surgery. The Superintendent revealed they were both “alive but in a difficult situation,” but there was “cautious optimism” they would continue to improve. 

It was also confirmed Hortman and her husband had died as a result of the gunshot wounds, although an autospy has still to be carried out. 

The manhunt for the suspect is ongoing, with another of authorities collaborating in the search. As a result, Evans explained little information would be made public until the shooter is found and neutralized. 

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