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WASHINGTON, June 14, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A gunman shot two Democratic state 
lawmakers in Minnesota early Saturday, killing one and her husband and 
wounding the other, in what the northern US state's governor said were 
"politically motivated" attacks.

The shootings came at a moment of deep political divisions in the United 
States, as thousands prepared to take to the streets in protest at the 
policies of Republican President Donald Trump.

The suspected assailant was still at large, officials said, with a massive 
manhunt underway.

US President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi decried what they 
called "horrific violence" and said the perpetrators would be prosecuted to 
"the fullest extent of the law."

State representative Melissa Hortman -- the former speaker -- and her husband 
Mark were killed at their home near Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz told a 
press conference.

State senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded, the 
governor said, his voice breaking with emotion. He said officials remained 
"cautiously optimistic" they would recover.

"This was an act of targeted political violence," Walz told reporters.

"Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle our 
differences with violence or at gunpoint."

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, 
said Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and as police investigated, 
Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later.

The suspected gunman was able to escape during an exchange of gunfire with 
officers near Hortman's residence, Evans told reporters.

"We're actively searching for that individual right now," he said.

In both cases, authorities believe the assailant was impersonating a law 
enforcement officer, ABC News reported, quoting a source familiar with the 
investigation.

Police are looking for a white man with brown hair, wearing black body armor 
over a blue shirt and blue pants, local TV station KSTP said.

The United States has been deeply divided since Trump returned to the White 
House in January.

The Republican president has drawn criticism from Democrats over his harsh 
deportation policy, his assault on universities and the media and a perceived 
flouting of limits on executive power as he pushes his agenda.

"At this precipice moment we're on, this tragic act here in Minnesota should 
serve as a reminder to all of us," Walz said.

"The democracy and the debates in the halls of Congress, in state houses, in 
school boards, is a way to settle our differences peacefully and move society 
to a better place."