Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Found with Manifesto Naming Politicians
A disturbing development has unfolded in the recent shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers. Authorities discovered a handwritten manifesto inside a fake police SUV used by the assailant, listing several elected officials, including the victims themselves.
Fake Police Vehicle and Premeditated Attack
Investigators uncovered the manifesto during a search of the suspect’s replica police SUV, which was equipped with emergency lights and a uniform designed to mimic law enforcement. The suspect allegedly impersonated an officer to carry out the attack, betraying public trust in a deeply unsettling manner.
Victims and Impact on Minnesota's Political Leadership
- Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot.
- Senator John Hoffman and his wife sustained serious injuries.
Both lawmakers were reportedly targeted as part of a broader plan outlined in the discovered manifesto. The assault took place in their respective homes, escalating concerns about political violence within the state.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigation
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed immediate alerts were issued to protect other officials named in the document. Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson condemned the suspect’s exploitation of law enforcement imagery as a deep betrayal.
Governor Tim Walz described the incident as a "politically motivated assassination," urging unity against political violence nationwide. He emphasized accountability, stating, "Those responsible will be held accountable." The FBI has joined the investigation, with autopsies underway.
National Reactions and Broader Implications
From Washington, the U.S. President condemned the shootings as "terrible," voicing solidarity with Minnesota’s residents. Meanwhile, Gabrielle Giffords, a survivor of a similar attack, highlighted that assaults on lawmakers strike at the core of American democracy and called for leaders to denounce violent extremism.
Authorities continue to search for the suspect, who remains at large, and have not dismissed the possibility of accomplices. The exact number of individuals named in the manifesto and whether additional attacks were planned have not been disclosed.
