President Donald Trump condemned what Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz described as “what appears to be a politically motivated assassination” targeting two Democrat leaders and their spouses Saturday morning.
“An unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota,” Walz, also a Democrat, said in a press conference Saturday. “My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed earlier this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”
He said Hortman, speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, “served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt posted a statement from President Trump.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” the president said. “Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” Trump added. “God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
The suspect reportedly impersonated a police officer in carrying out the shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, northern suburbs of Minneapolis.
In addition to Hortman, the suspect reportedly shot state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Walz said he is “cautiously optimistic” they will survive.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.