Minnesota politician shot dead by person pretending to be police officer

A gunman pretending to be a police officer has shot dead a high profile US politician and left another injured, it has been confirmed. Senator Tim Walz says a lawmaker in the US state of Minnesota was shot dead and another left critically injured after "targeted shootings".

Melissa Hortman and her husband have been killed, Waltz has said. Meanwhile, John Hoffman and his wife are recovering after surgery, according to Minnesota mayor Ryan Sabas of Champlin. According to reports online, police officers received a 911 call around 2am local time regarding a shooting at Hoffman's house. They arrived and found the Hoffmans wounded, and provided life-saving aid.

It prompted officers to be dispatched to Hortman's house, where officers encountered a suspect who shot at them. But sources claim officers arrived minutes too late with both Hortmans shot dead by a "suspect impersonating a cop", which has now been confirmed by state officials.

There is an ongoing manhunt for a person of interest related to the shooting - but authorities are yet to reveal further details as the part of the investigation. Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.

He added how the shooter had "exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent". He went on to call it a "betrayal" that "is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility."

Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect fled out of the back of Hortman's house after an exchange of gunfire with police.
The suspect was dressed like a uniformed officer and operating a vehicle that "looked exactly like an SUV squad car. It was equipped with lights, emergency lights and looked exactly like a police vehicle," Bruley said.

The FBI has joined in the investigation, according to a statement posted by Dan Bonginio, the agency's deputy director.
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack "evil" and said she was "heartbroken beyond words" by the killings of Hortman and her husband, Mark.

"With the law enforcement response ongoing and details still emerging, I will simply ask all Minnesotans to please lift up in prayer the victims of this horrific attack, as well as the law enforcement personnel still working to apprehend the perpetrator," Demuth said in a statement.

Officials have also remained the public to keep their doors locked and to only open to police officers if they are presented with an official ID and badge number.

The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions.

GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, released a statement, saying: "My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well," Giffords said. "An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for."

Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from Congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.

A person familiar with the incident said investigators were still working to establish a motive for the attacks and were still in the early stages of an investigation.

According to tweets online, the suspected shooter's vehicle contained a "manifesto" that named other Minnesota political figures. The names are under enhanced protection to prevent further copycat attacks.

Speaking to the press, Walz has described the killing as an "unspeakable tragedy" that "has unfolded in Minnesota". He also added the state has lost a "great leader" and that he has personally lost a "great friend".

President Donald Trump has been made aware of the shooting, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She tweeted: "Statement from President Donald J. Trump. I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers.

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!

The US Attorney General Pamela Bondi says the shooting "appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers". She also tweeted: "I am closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers.

"The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners. This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Ms Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker and was first elected in 2004. A former lawyer, she leaves behind her husband and two children.

Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012 and runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He previously served as vice-chairman of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Mr Hoffman who has reportedly survived the attack, is married and has one daughter.

The shooting also comes as Trump today hosts a celebration marking 250 years of the US Army in the capital Washington D.C - and his 79th birthday.

Both Mr Hoffman and Ms Hortman represent districts located north of Minneapolis.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a suspect. Post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine extent of injuries, but Ms Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, Mr Evans said.

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