Tim Walz activates State Emergency Operations as 2 Democrat leaders are shot by assailant pretending to be the police

There’s a critical public safety situation still ongoing in Minnesota. There have been targeted shootings in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, where two state lawmakers — Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman — were shot alongside their spouses, prompting Governor Tim Walz to order a state emergency operation.

There’s a shelter-in-place order in effect for a three-mile radius around Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park, warning residents not to approach the suspect, who is believed to be armed and dangerous. There’s an unusual aspect about the suspect that adds a whole other level of concern, however, as he is believed to be currently impersonating law enforcement officers. This one detail complicates the situation further and lends additional credibility to the belief that these shootings are targeted. As a result, law enforcement has issued highly unusual instructions.

Around 5:30 AM local time, police instructed residents within the designated area to stay indoors. A report from FOX 9 confirmed that authorities have yet to identify a motive. In an unusual move, police have advised residents not to cooperate with individuals claiming to be officers and not to open their doors to anyone—even those in police uniforms.

Instead, residents are being urged to wait for the arrival of two officers or to call 911 to confirm whether the officer at their door is legitimate. The suspect is reportedly a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.

Some updates suggest there were initially two suspects, but one has since been arrested. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, avoid engagement if they see the other suspect, and especially steer clear of Windsor Terrace North and Champlin, where active scenes are still unfolding. A reporter familiar with the situation has taken to X and informed people that a manhunt for the suspect is currently underway

In response, the former VP candidate Governor Tim Walz has activated the State Emergency Operations Center and placed all Minnesota lawmakers on high alert following the targeting of two of their colleagues. Walz also posted a firm statement on X, promising to give law enforcement all the tools and resources they need — and potentially increasing security for other lawmakers across the state.

I’ve 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.

We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon.

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025

This state emergency operations differs from the LA protest situation in several key ways — chiefly in that the governor here is using the state emergency operation specifically so that he can take swift and direct action to support local enforcement. Importantly, as this story continues to develop, the health conditions of the lawmakers and their spouses remain unknown. For now, hope is all we have — hope that they are recovering.

Zach Lindstrom, the Mayor of Mounds View, was the first political figure to speak out, expressing deep concern about the normalization of violence against public officials. He also shared that his thoughts are with the victims and their families, and that he genuinely hopes the lawmakers pull through.

I'm just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we'd be here. My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families. I hope everyone comes out of this ok.

I cannot emphasize enough that this is not…

— Mayor Zach Lindstrom (@MoundsViewMayor) June 14, 2025

This is still a developing story, and information continues to emerge. We’ll provide updates as they become available. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families affected by this violence.