10:11 a.m. - Authorities investigating the shooting recovered an alleged manifesto.
“There was a list of individuals and the individuals that were targeted were on that list,” said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans.
“When we did a search of the vehicle there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials, we immediately made alerts to the state, who took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary,” Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley added.
10 a.m. - Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said that when officers arrived to the Hortman home, they noticed a vehicle with emergency lights what appeared to be a police officer at the door, “when our officers confronted him he immediately fired at officers and retreated back into the home.” He fled back into the house after being confronted by police. They went to the threshold and saw a man that was down and dragged him out to safety, he was pronounced dead shortly after. Police then went in with a drone to identify Hortman dead in the home.
“This was not a real police officer, this was a person who was clearly impersonating a police officer wearing the trust of this badge to manipulate their way into the home,” Bruley said.
The suspect drove a vehicle that looked exactly like an SUV squad equipped with emergency lights, a Taser and badge. There was “no question that if they were in this room you would assume that they are a police officer.”
A massive manhunt is underway for the suspect, who is believed to be on foot. Bruley said police are now arriving at residences in pairs of two or more. Officers will not be alone. Police are searching for people of interest.
9:59 a.m. - Gov. Walz and other officials are holding a live press briefing now.
Watch the press conference at this link.
9:57 a.m. - Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said Champlin police were called at 2 a.m. to the Hoffman home. While they were investigating, Brooklyn Park police proactively checked on Hortman’s residence, at 3:30 a.m., where they encountered a man who fired at them and fled during an exchange of gunfire. Hortman and her husband were killed, Hoffman and his wife were taken to the hospital where they are being treated.
9:54 a.m. - Gov. Walz confirmed that Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot but are out of surgery.
“My prayers also go out to state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were each shot multiple times. The Hoffmans are out of surgery at this time and are receiving care and we are cautiously optimistic that they will survive this assassination attempt,” Walz said.
9:48 a.m. - Gov. Tim Walz has confirmed that Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in the shooting.
“We’re here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota. My good friend and colleague Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed earlier this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination,” Walz said in a press conference.
9:46 a.m. - Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas said he received confirmation of shootings at the homes of Hoffman and Hortman from the city police chief.
“It’s a completely evil act,” Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas said in an interview. “The people of Champlin can rest assured that police are working with agencies around us to find the individual so neighborhoods and our community can be safe right now.”
9:43 a.m. - Kate Ocken Lundquist lives across the Edinburgh Golf Course from Hortman. She was woken up by an emergency shelter in place notification and the sound of helicopters overhead.“It’s just eerily quiet outside,” Lundquist said, noting that there was heavy police activity at Hortman’s house and any updates she had been receiving were “not good.”Lundquist serves as a political campaign manager and communications directors. She said rumors about the situation were spreading extensively.
9:39 a.m. - Multiple lawmakers have confirmed over social media that Rep. Melissa Hortman DFL - Brooklyn Park and Sen. John Hoffman, DFL - Champlin were targeted in the shootings.
Brooklyn Park police have issued a shelter in place order in the area surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course as they search for a suspect in “multiple targeted shootings” involving state lawmakers.
The suspect is armed and dangerous and may be impersonating law enforcement, according to the alert sent out early Saturday morning.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
posted on X Saturday that he’s been briefed on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in both Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
Walz is scheduled to hold a news briefing this morning “to address violence targeted at legislators.” Although no names have been released, a large law enforcement presence, which included the FBI surrounded the Brooklyn Park home of DFL House leader Melissa Hortman.
“The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene. We will share more information soon,” Walz said.
Walz spokesman Teddy Tschann said the governor has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and is on site now. He will host a news briefing later this morning.
The suspect is a white male with brown hair and wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.
Police advised residents not to approach anyone who matches their description.
House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, said in a statement: “I am shocked and horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight. Please lift up in prayer the victims, as well as the law enforcement personnel working to apprehend the perpetrator.”
A call to Brooklyn Park police was not immediately returned.
Brooklyn Park police said they will be briefing reporters later today at City Hall.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Paul Walsh of the Minnesota Star Tribune contributed to this story.