A Minnesota state congresswoman in the US, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, John Hoffman, were shot to death on Saturday morning, an event that shocked public opinion and was described as a politically motivated assassination by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.
Meanwhile, state senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also attacked by the same perpetrator, writes A2 CNN. Both were seriously injured, but after surgical interventions, they are in stable condition and are being treated in the hospital.
Both lawmakers belong to the Democratic Farmer and Labor Party of Minnesota (DFL). The incident has raised alarm across the country, while the suspected perpetrator is still at large and a massive search is underway by multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to authorities, the attack on the Hoffman couple occurred around 2:00 a.m., when police received a call about shots fired at their apartment. Officers immediately responded and administered first aid before taking them to the hospital.
Then, at around 3:35 a.m., officers searching Hortman's apartment saw a man who appeared to be a police officer at her door. When they approached, he opened fire on them and managed to escape. It was later confirmed that Hortman and her husband were killed at the scene.
The perpetrator is armed and wearing a vest, badge, and equipment that makes him look like a police officer. Police have urged citizens not to open the door to anyone claiming to be a police officer without first verifying with authorities by phone.
Governor Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center and a Joint Information Center was set up to coordinate the operation. At the same time, authorities issued a stay-at-home order within a 2.8-mile radius of the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park.
US Senator Amy Klobuchar and former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords have strongly condemned the act, calling it a serious threat to American democracy. The investigation is ongoing. (A2 Televizion)
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