• Source:JND
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In a tragic incident, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and State Senetor John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were injured in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “politically motivated assassination.” The targeted shootings took place in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, suburban cities 10 to 20 miles from Minneapolis. Walz praised Hortman, saying, “She served Minnesota with compassion and grace, waking up every day committed to improving our state.”

Trump reacts to shooting 

US President Donald Trump reacted to the shooting and dubbed it as "horrific violence". He said violence has no place in America.  "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers," Trump said in a statement. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” said the POTUS.

Who was John Hoffman?

Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Hoffman is married and has one daughter. Hortman is the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004.

Hortman, a lawyer, is married and has two children. Both Hoffman and Hortman represent districts located north of Minneapolis. The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions.

"Horrified and heartbroken"

GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organisation led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement. “I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants," Giffords said. “My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.”

Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others. She stepped down from Congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.

(With inputs from agency)