Assassin Targets Top Minnesota Democrats Including Governor Walz, Ilhan Omar, and Keith Ellison

A brazen political hit has rocked Minnesota after a heavily armed man, disguised as a police officer, gunned down two prominent Democrats and left behind a kill list that included the state’s top liberal leaders—Governor Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.

Law enforcement officials confirmed Saturday that the shooter, still on the loose, left a chilling manifesto and a “target list” in his vehicle—an SUV rigged to look just like a law enforcement squad car.

The man, described as white with brown hair and dressed in a vest, badge, and taser, shot and killed Rep. Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark, in their Champlin home Friday evening. Around the same time, he allegedly ambushed Sen. John Hoffman, 60, and his wife Yvette at their home in nearby Brooklyn Park. The Hoffmans were seriously wounded but survived.

“This was clearly a planned political attack,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley during a Saturday press conference. “He had a list. He had a disguise. He had a mission.”

A Squad Car Lookalike and a Manifesto

The killer’s vehicle was rigged with emergency lights and made to resemble a legitimate police cruiser. “If you saw him and that car on the street, you’d think he was law enforcement,” Bruley added. “There’s no doubt about it.”

Inside the vehicle, authorities discovered what they are calling a “manifesto,” along with a target list containing the names of multiple Minnesota Democrats.

Though police have not released the full list, sources confirm it includes:

• Governor Tim Walz
• Rep. Ilhan Omar
• Sen. Tina Smith
• Attorney General Keith Ellison

Authorities believe the attack was political in nature, not random.

“This is targeted political violence,” Governor Walz said at the same briefing. “We cannot allow this to stand. These attacks were meant to silence public servants through fear and force.”

Still at Large — And Dangerous

The shooter managed to escape on foot after exchanging gunfire with police at the Hortman residence. A large-scale manhunt is underway involving local law enforcement and the FBI. Authorities warned that the suspect is armed, dangerous, and capable of impersonating police.

In a rare move, local residents in Brooklyn Park and Champlin were ordered to shelter in place. Police also issued an extraordinary warning to call 911 to confirm any officer at their door is legitimate.

“This individual fooled two seasoned public officials,” a law enforcement source said. “He could fool anyone.”

Political Fallout and Rising Fears

Hortman, a 20-year veteran of the Minnesota legislature and the former House Speaker, was a leading figure in the state’s Democratic Party. Hoffman, a longtime senator, had championed numerous progressive policies.

The violence has already stirred fears of a broader trend. Just last month, federal authorities warned of rising threats against elected officials amid growing political polarization.

No Arrests — Yet

Although no arrests have been made, Chief Bruley said “persons of interest” have been identified and multiple people have already been questioned. Investigators are working around the clock.

“It’s only a matter of time,” one officer close to the case told a local news outlet. “We will bring him in.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI or Brooklyn Park Police immediately.

Bottom Line: A high-level political assassin is on the run in Minnesota. Disguised as law enforcement and armed with a hit list targeting the state’s top Democrats, he has already killed and wounded. Authorities are urging the public to stay alert—and cautious—until he is found.