BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — Police in Minnesota have discovered writings mentioning various lawmakers and officials within a fake police car tied to a suspect believed to be responsible for the shootings of two Democratic legislators. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley reported that these writings, found during a vehicle search, identified several lawmakers, including former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and state Senator John Hoffman.

Melissa Hortman, the top Democratic leader in the state Legislature, and her spouse were shot and killed early Saturday at their Brooklyn Park home. Meanwhile, Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also victims of gunfire in Champlin. Both Hortman and Hoffman were referenced in the suspect’s writings, prompting immediate security alerts for state officials.

Chief Bruley emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "When we did a search of the vehicle, there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials. We immediately made alerts to the state, taking necessary actions to provide security." Authorities launched a large-scale manhunt for the suspect in the hours following the shootings, deploying hundreds of police officers and sheriff's deputies equipped with tactical gear throughout the region.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed that both legislators were deliberately targeted during the attacks. He remarked, "We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence.” Walz ensured that those responsible would be held accountable for their actions.

Senator Hoffman, elected in 2012, previously held a position as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board. At the time of the incident, he was representing a district located north of Minneapolis. Hailing from a family of three, he and his wife have one daughter. In contrast, during her tenure, Melissa Hortman, who was first elected in 2004, was a prominent figure in the state Legislature. She had two children with her husband, Mark, who was also killed.

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, shared that the authorities were actively searching for the suspect while autopsies were being performed to confirm the nature of the injuries sustained in the shooting. A shelter-in-place order was in effect in the area during the ongoing crisis.

Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson highlighted the disturbing nature of the suspect's actions, indicating that the individual had posed as a law enforcement officer. He stated, “The suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility.”

According to Chief Bruley, the suspect managed to escape from the back of Hortman’s residence following a gunfire exchange with police. The assailant was described as being dressed in a uniform resembling a law enforcement officer and operating a vehicle modified to look like a police SUV, complete with emergency lights.

President Donald Trump addressed the situation, stating that the FBI would participate in the ongoing investigation, emphasizing the nation’s stance against such violence. In a public statement, he mentioned the involvement of Minnesota’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and underscored a commitment to prosecuting those involved to the fullest extent.

Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, labeled the attack as “evil” and expressed her heartbreak over the tragic killings of Hortman and her husband. She urged her fellow Minnesotans to join her in prayer for the victims of this horrific act, as well as for the law enforcement personnel engaged in the search for the suspect.

The shootings occurred against a backdrop of increasing threats to political leaders nationwide, highlighting an ongoing climate of unrest and division. Giffords, a national gun violence prevention organization led by former U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, issued a poignant statement noting, “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.” Giffords herself is a survivor of a targeted shooting that occurred in 2011, reinforcing the pressing need for leaders to condemn violence and extremism.