Minnesota [US], June 15 (HBTV): A Minnesota state representative and her husband were shot dead, while a state senator and his wife were injured in two separate shooting incidents on Saturday, ABC News reported.

US President Donald Trump said he had been briefed on what appears to be a ‘targeted attack against state lawmakers’. He stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI were leading the investigation and emphasised that ‘such horrific violence will not be tolerated’ in the United States.

‘I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. 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. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place,’ read Trump's statement, shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on X.

According to authorities, a manhunt is underway for the suspect, who was impersonating a police officer. Police said the gunman approached the victims' homes, knocked on their doors, and asked them to step outside before opening fire.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, addressing a news conference, said State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in what appeared to be a ‘politically motivated assassination’. He described Hortman as a ‘formidable public servant’ and said she was ‘irreplaceable’.

The governor further said that State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were both shot multiple times and underwent surgery. ‘We’re cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,’ Walz added.

The two incidents occurred just a few miles apart in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. According to Drew Evans, Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Hoffman and his wife were attacked at around 2 a.m. in Champlin. Officers responding to the incident proceeded to check on Hortman’s residence when they encountered the suspect at around 3:35 a.m.

Authorities said the suspect, dressed as a police officer and carrying a Taser and other equipment, fired at the officers during an encounter. A brief exchange of gunfire took place, and the suspect fled the scene.

The suspect’s vehicle — equipped with police lights and resembling an official law enforcement vehicle — was found in Hortman’s driveway. A list of other possible targets, including several lawmakers, was reportedly recovered from the vehicle.

Authorities have since rushed to provide security to those named on the list, ABC News reported.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi also issued a statement, saying she was ‘closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers’. She added, ‘This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.’

(ANI)