Police say they have recovered writings in a car used by suspect in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers

BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota — Police say they have found handwritten notes in a fake police car believed to have been used by the suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota state representatives.

“During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, a manifesto-like text was found that listed the names of numerous lawmakers and officials,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Browell. “We immediately notified the state and took the necessary security measures.”

In the incident, former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hurtman and her husband were shot and killed early Saturday morning at their Brooklyn Park home. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times in Champlain. Both of their names were reportedly in the suspect’s handwriting.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the two were targeted, adding:
“We must stand up to any political violence in Minnesota and across the country. The perpetrators of this act will be brought to justice.”

John Hoffman, a Democrat, had been a senator since 2012. He previously served as vice chairman of the Anoka-Hennepin Board of Education, Minnesota’s largest school district.

Melissa Hurtman was a prominent Democrat in the state Assembly at the time of her death and had served as speaker of the House since 2004.

Drew Evans, the head of the state’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said police were actively searching for a suspect and that an autopsy would be performed, but that the cause of death for Hurtman and his wife was gunshot wounds. A stay-at-home order was in effect in the area early Saturday morning.

The suspect was posing as a police officer, said Bob Jacobson, Minnesota's public safety commissioner.
He added, "This individual has abused the public trust in the police uniform, and this betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the uniform with honor and responsibility."

Police Chief Mark Broley said the suspect fled behind the Hortman home after exchanging gunfire with police. He was wearing a police uniform and driving a police-style vehicle with emergency lights.

In a statement from the White House, then-US President Donald Trump announced that the FBI would join the investigation, saying:
"Attorney General Pam Bundy and the FBI are investigating this matter and will pursue the perpetrators with the full force of their power. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States. God bless the great people of Minnesota."

State House Speaker Lisa DeMotte, a Republican from Cold Spring, called the attack “evil,” saying:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the murders of Mr. Hortman and his wife. As the investigation continues and details emerge, I ask all Minnesotans to pray for the victims and the law enforcement agencies searching for the suspect.”

The shooting comes at a time when attacks, threats and political harassment against officials and officials across the country have been on the rise amid deep political divisions.

Giffords, the National Organization to End Gun Violence, founded by former US Representative Gabrielle Giffords, also said in a statement:
“My family and I understand the horror of a targeted shooting. An attack on our elected representatives is an attack on our democracy. Our leaders must stand up to the violent extremism that threatens our very existence.”

Gabrielle Giffords was shot in the head in a targeted shooting in 2011, killing six people and wounding 12. She resigned from Congress in January 2012 to focus on her treatment.

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