Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were injured, when a man dressed like a police officer showed up at their homes overnight and opened fire, local officials say. The suspect is still at large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first shooting happened just after 2 a.m. on Saturday at the Champlin home of State Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat who has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013. Hoffman suffered at least two gunshot wounds while his wife Yvette was shot three times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the shooting, officers decided to check up on State Representative Melissa Hortman, who lived a few miles south near the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park. Hortman had been a representative since 2005 and was currently the Democratic leader in the Minnesota House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When officers arrived at the home, they encountered the gunman, leading to an exchange of gunfire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The suspect retreated back into the house and fled on foot,” the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Hortman and her husband Mark were given aid at the scene but both succumbed to their injuries,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Police said the suspect – a white male with brown hair – was dressed like a police officer. He was also driving a fake police car, which contained a manifesto and a list of names. No information has been released about a possible motive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A shelter in place order has been issued for people in a 3 mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park. Anyone who sees the suspect is urged to call 911 immediately. He’s armed and should not be approached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the suspect has impersonated police, people in the area have been told they should not open their door to a lone police officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“If a police officer knocks on your door, call 911 to verify that they are legitimate,” the sheriff’s office said in a message to residents, adding: “Licensed officers are working in pairs.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n