Minnesota lawmaker, spouse, shot dead in 'politically motivated assassination': Gov. Walz

A Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband were shot and killed overnight in what Gov. Tim Walz said was a "politically motivated assassination."

Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL) Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her spouse were shot in Brooklyn Park by a suspect impersonating a police officer, police said.

In a related shooting, DFL Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot in Champlin. They are expected to survive and are out of surgery.

The suspect exchanged gunfire with responding police but fled the scene.

MEMORIAL DAY MASS SHOOTING IN PHILADELPHIA LEAVES 2 DEAD, 9 INJURED

The suspect wore black body armor, a badge, a Taser and appeared indistinguishable from real law enforcement, police said. He also drove a police-style SUV with flashing lights.

"Our state lost a great leader," Walz said at a press briefing Saturday morning, describing the incidnt as an "unspeakable tragedy. "Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor and a sense of service. She was a formidable public servant, a fixture, and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many Minnesotans." 

Meanwhile, Walz said that he was "cautiously optimistic" about Hoffman and his wife surviving. Both were shot multiple times. 

"This was an act of targeted political violence," Walz said. "Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle their differences with violence or at gunpoint in the state of Minnesota."

Authorities have urged the public not to approach the suspect and to call 911 with any information.

A shelter-in-place order has been issued within a 3-mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course.

Police said the suspect impersonated a police officer to gain access to the homes.

He opened fire when confronted by real officers at Speaker Hortman's home, then fled, police said. 

NEW MEXICO MASS SHOOTING SUSPECTS ARRESTED, VICTIMS IDENTIFIED

A massive manhunt is underway, involving the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), State Patrol and local departments.

At the time of the press conference, no suspect was in custody, though several people had been detained and questioned.

"The suspect exploited the trust our uniforms represent… This betrayal is deeply disturbing," Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said. 

Residents are being told to not answer the door unless two uniformed officers are present.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Walz said this morning that he had activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

"Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them," he wrote on a follow-up post. "We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon."

• Alpine "Water" burns 57lbs of thick flab?