Why was Melissa Hortman killed? Minnesota lawmaker, husband Mark shot dead; suspect was dressed as police officer

In yet another senseless killing in the United States, a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were fatally shot on Saturday while another lawmaker and his wife targeted by the same suspect have miraculously survived the gunshots.

The suspect is on the run and the authorities have launched a widespread manhunt. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said they detained several individuals for interrogation but none of them were in custody.

Why was Melissa Hortman killed?

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot dead in "what appears to be a politically motivated assassination". She belonged to the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman, who belonged to the same political party, and his wife were also shot multiple times. They were quickly rushed  to hospital where they underwent surgery and are recovering.

Walz said the authorities are "cautiously optimally optimistic" that the Hoffmans would survive the assassination bid.

The shooting of the Hoffmans occurred around 2 am local time on Saturday and police had immediately responded to calls, following which they were hospitalised. Another call came in around 3.30 am, following which police rushed to check in on the Hortmans. 

There the officers encountered a white male suspect with brown hair. He was wearing a police uniform, a badge, a Taser and other equipment. The suspect fired at the police officers and escaped on foot amid the exchange of gunfire.

Police have cautioned residents not to answer their doors unless two officers are present. They were also urged to confirm the identity of the officer by calling 911.

Responding to the shooting, US President Donald Trump said in a statement: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America."

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