Impersonating Justice: Minnesota Lawmakers Gunned Down in Targeted Home Attacks by Fake Cop
Minnesota is reeling after a horrifying series of targeted attacks early Saturday morning left two Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) lawmakers and their spouses critically wounded. The attacks, carried out at the victims’ homes, appear to have been premeditated and executed by a suspect impersonating a police officer—an act that has stunned even seasoned law enforcement.
According to multiple sources, the victims include State Senator John Hoffman of Champlin and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman of Brooklyn Park. The assailant—described as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and pants—allegedly posed as a law enforcement officer before opening fire. A second suspect may have assisted in the attacks, according to updated reports.
Authorities have placed the towns of Champlin and Brooklyn Park on shelter-in-place orders, as the community remains on edge. While one suspect was taken into custody after an officer-involved shooting in Brooklyn Park, the full scope of the threat remains unclear.
KSTP-TV’s John Hauser broke the news:
“BREAKING: Multiple sources tell 5 Eyewitness News at least two MN state lawmakers were shot at their homes last night by a gunman impersonating a police officer.”
Governor Tim Walz quickly activated the State Emergency Operations Center, stating:
“I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings… Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.”
Sources say both lawmakers are in grave condition, with trauma teams working around the clock as investigators piece together how a gunman in fake police gear infiltrated the homes of elected officials.
This brazen assault on public servants raises harrowing questions about political violence, impersonation of authority, and whether this marks an isolated incident or the beginning of something more sinister.