MINNESOTA DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS SHOT, ONE KILLED WITH HER HUSBAND; LAW ENFORCEMENT ARE ON A MANHUNT FOR A SUSPECT IMPERSONATING A POLICE OFFICER. SHELTER IN PLACE REMAINS ACTIVE IN THE AREA
- Senior Editor
- Jun 14
- 2 min read
(The Situation Update Report [SUR] is a near real-time brief of a possible threat or situation being monitored by The Counter Threat Center. The information is accurate at the time of reporting, but may be subject to change.)
Elythir George, Jen Radlinsky
Elena Alice Rossetti, Senior Editor; Jennifer Loy, Chief Editor
June 14, 2025
Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, USA[1]
Current situation: Two Democratic lawmakers were targeted this morning in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, USA, at their homes. State Representative and former State House Speaker Melissa Hortman, along with her husband, was killed. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times, underwent surgery, and are in recovery. Law enforcement believes that a man impersonating a police officer is involved. There is an area-wide shelter-in-place, and police are actively searching for the perpetrator. At approximately 0335 local time, Brooklyn Park officers proactively checking on Speaker Hortman following the incident involving Senator Hoffman, encountered a suspect who immediately opened fire. Officers returned fire, but the suspect got away during the exchange. Police stressed that if they do go to a person’s door, there will be two officers. If there is just one officer, do not open the door and call 911. Dispatch will be able to verify if they should be there. The police found written material in the suspect’s vehicle, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating.[2]
Day/Time of event: June 14, 2025/Approximately 0200 and 0335 local time[3]
What is the current threat: The suspect's ability to remain at large and the very likely impersonation of law enforcement to access both victims’ homes almost certainly indicate a high degree of premeditation, deception, and intent to bypass conventional security barriers. The coordinated nature of the attacks and the political prominence of the targets very likely suggest ideological motivation and a deliberate attempt to undermine democratic institutions by targeting elected officials in their private residences.
The shooter’s evasion likely indicates operational planning and familiarity with law enforcement protocols. This almost certainly raises concerns that the individual may still pose an active threat to other political figures or government actors across Minnesota or the broader region. The impersonation of police almost certainly undermines public trust in law enforcement identity verification, which could very likely increase civilian fear and hesitation during legitimate police encounters.
This event very likely signals a shift toward more personalized and symbolically potent political violence within domestic extremist circles. Should investigations prove the killing is ideologically driven, this attack would confirm the increasing trend of political violence. This attack will very likely inspire radicalized individuals seeking high-profile impact with minimal resources
Who will it directly impact:
Minnesota state and local officials, particularly Democratic lawmakers
Law enforcement officers responding to the manhunt and community alerts
FBI investigators
Brooklyn Park and Champlin citizens
[2] @Brooklyn Park, MN, X, June 14, 2025, https://x.com/BrooklynPark/status/1933897963945832953
[3] @Hennepin Sherif, X, June 14, 2025, https://x.com/HennepinSheriff/status/1933909489566040561
