International

Minnesota state lawmaker killed, another wounded in targeted shootings

Published

8 months ago

June 14, 2025

Minnesota state lawmaker killed, another wounded in targeted shootings

A Minnesota state representative and her husband were killed in their home in a Minneapolis suburb early Saturday in what state officials are calling a political assassination. Another lawmaker, a state senator, and his wife were also wounded in a shooting at their home.

Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman, a former state House speaker, and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their home in the city of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said at a news conference, calling it “an unspeakable tragedy.”

“This was an act of targeted political violence. Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint,” Walz said.

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump said: “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”

Earlier, in a separate incident just miles away in Champlin, Minn., Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot and wounded at their home.

A suspect impersonating a police officer remains at large, according to authorities. State officials told residents nearby to shelter in place, and to not answer their doors for anyone dressed as police. Officials told residents to call 911 and confirm with dispatchers that the officer belongs there. Local police were also instructed to not approach any residents alone, and to do so instead in pairs.

Protests known as “No Kings” were planned across the country on Saturday in response to the Trump administration’s plans to hold a large-scale military parade. “Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today’s planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution,” the Minnesota State Patrol said on X.

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At a press conference, Col. Christina Bogojevic of the Minnesota State Patrol said that flyers that said “no kings” were found in the suspect’s car, though she added that there were no direct links beyond that that authorities knew of.

According to officials, the lawmakers’ homes did not appear to be broken into. After responding to the shooting at Hoffman’s home, police went to Hortman’s home to check on her. There, they encountered what appeared to be a squad car and a man at the door dressed in blue with black body armor, who officials say opened fire on police. The man was not apprehended at the time.

By mid-morning, there was a heavy law enforcement presence in Brooklyn Park, including the FBI and state and local police.

The suspect’s motivation is still unknown, but state police said they did enter the car of the suspect, who officials say is now thought to be on foot. Inside the car, they found a list of individuals, including other lawmakers. Hortman and Hoffman were on that list, officials say.

Speaking to Minnesota Public Radio, Minnesota Democratic U.S. Sen. Tina Smith said she was told her name is on the list. Smith said she did not know of others who were named.

Smith said she was with Hortman and Hoffman at a Democratic dinner hours before the shooting.

In a statement, the U.S. Capitol Police said it was “aware of the violence targeting state lawmakers in Minnesota. We have been working with our federal, state and local partners. For safety reasons, we cannot provide specific details about our security posture.”

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U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was closely monitoring the situation in Minnesota and that the FBI was investigating on the ground with state and local law enforcement. She said the incident “appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers.”

“This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” she said on X.

Separately, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino said in a statement on X, “The FBI is fully engaged on the ground in Minnesota and is working in collaboration with our local and state partners.”

The legislative session this year in Minnesota was marked by a bitter dispute between Republicans and Democrats.

For the last two years, Democrats had complete control of the state government, but in January, Republicans gained a temporary lead. House Democrats responded by boycotting the Capitol, and denying Republicans a quorum. Eventually, after the courts stepped in, party leaders, including Hortman, struck a deal, bringing Democrats back to the state house.

This is a breaking news story. Some things reported by the media may later turn out to be wrong. We will focus on reports from officials and other authorities, credible news outlets and reporters who are at the scene. We will update as the situation develops.

Minnesota state lawmaker killed, another wounded in targeted shootings

NPR

Related Topics:Lawmaker Minnesota shootings

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Trump Halts Minnesota Immigration Crackdown After Fatal Shootings, Protests

Published

12 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

U.S President Donald Trump

Trump Halts Minnesota Immigration Crackdown After Fatal Shootings, Protests

The Trump administration has officially halted Operation Metro Surge, a controversial immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota, following widespread protests, political backlash, and the deaths of two U.S. citizens. The decision was announced by Tom Homan, the U.S. “border czar,” who confirmed that President Donald Trump approved ending the monthslong crackdown.

Operation Metro Surge, launched in December 2025, focused on the Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area, deploying nearly 3,000 federal immigration officers at its peak. The operation aimed to detain undocumented immigrants, which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as targeting “criminal illegal aliens.” However, reports indicate that many detainees had no criminal records, including children and U.S. citizens, raising concerns about the operation’s scope and fairness.

The crackdown drew intense public opposition after anti-ICE protesters Renée Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot during separate incidents in Minneapolis. The shootings intensified calls for accountability and prompted local and national criticism of federal enforcement tactics.

In a statement, Homan said, “I have proposed and President Trump has concurred that this surge operation conclude.” He noted that a drawdown of federal personnel had already begun, with a smaller contingent remaining temporarily to transition operations and coordinate with local authorities.

During the operation, DHS reported over 4,000 arrests, though critics highlighted the disproportionate impact on communities and families, emphasizing the humanitarian and civil liberties concerns arising from the surge.

Minnesota officials, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, welcomed the decision, calling the operation an overreach that harmed communities and strained trust between law enforcement and residents. Civil rights groups also praised the halt but urged comprehensive immigration reforms to prevent future abuses.

The end of Operation Metro Surge marks a significant development in the national debate over immigration enforcement, sanctuary policies, and federal authority, highlighting the challenge of balancing border security with human rights and community safety.

Trump Halts Minnesota Immigration Crackdown After Fatal Shootings, Protests

International

Russia Escalates Digital Control with Attempted WhatsApp Block

Published

21 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Russia Escalates Digital Control with Attempted WhatsApp Block

WhatsApp has accused the Russian government of trying to completely block its messaging service in the country, a move aimed at steering users toward the state-backed app MAX. The Meta-owned platform said the effort, reported on February 12, 2026, threatens over 100 million users and undermines private, encrypted communication in Russia.

In a statement, WhatsApp said: “Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app. Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication … can only lead to less safety for people in Russia. We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”

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The attempt is part of a broader crackdown on foreign tech platforms in Russia. Authorities have previously restricted access to Facebook, Instagram, and targeted other services like Telegram. Reports indicate that Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, removed WhatsApp from its national internet directory, forcing users to rely on VPNs to access the platform. Critics warn that such measures are designed to expand state surveillance and control over digital communication.

The government is actively promoting MAX, a domestic “super-app” similar to China’s WeChat, which combines messaging with other services. Rights advocates caution that the push toward MAX could compromise privacy protections that platforms like WhatsApp provide. Meanwhile, Kremlin officials have indicated that WhatsApp and other restricted apps could be restored if Meta complies with local data storage and regulatory laws.

WhatsApp’s statement emphasizes that the company will continue to work to keep its service accessible where possible, but the attempted block highlights Russia’s ongoing effort to enforce digital sovereignty and shift users toward state-controlled technology platforms.

Russia Escalates Digital Control with Attempted WhatsApp Block

International

Tumbler Ridge Massacre: Canada Investigates Shooter’s Mental Health, Police History

Published

22 hours ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Tumbler Ridge Massacre: Canada Investigates Shooter’s Mental Health, Police History

Canadian authorities are intensifying investigations into the mental health history and prior police interactions of Jesse Van Rootselaar, the 18-year-old who carried out a deadly mass shooting in the remote mining town of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, on February 10, 2026. The tragedy has left the small community in mourning and raised national questions about gun control, mental health support, and law enforcement interventions.

According to RCMP Deputy Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, authorities are still unclear on the motive behind the attack, which is one of the deadliest school shootings in Canadian history. Van Rootselaar, a transgender woman who had dropped out of Tumbler Ridge Secondary School four years ago, first killed her mother and stepbrother before opening fire at the school, where she shot six more victims. The shooter later took her own life at the scene.

Investigators have confirmed that Van Rootselaar was known to police and had previous interactions with the public health system due to mental health concerns. Authorities are reviewing prior incidents, including earlier firearms seizures and her lapsed gun licence, to understand how warning signs were addressed before the massacre. British Columbia Premier David Eby said officials are working with the health system to determine “what interactions may have taken place” in the past.

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The victims include a 39-year-old female teacher and five students aged 12 and 13, with one child, 12-year-old Maya Gebala, in critical condition after trying to lock herself and classmates in a library during the attack. First responders arrived within minutes, but the scale of the violence left the tight-knit community of about 2,700 residents reeling. Hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil to honour those killed and injured.

Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed parliament, describing Tumbler Ridge as a resilient, compassionate community of miners, teachers, and construction workers, and emphasised the need to learn from the tragedy. Flags across Canada have been lowered to half-staff for seven days in remembrance of the victims. Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla also expressed shock and sorrow over the massacre.

Schools in the area will remain closed for the remainder of the week as authorities continue their investigation into Van Rootselaar’s mental health background, police interactions, and access to firearms, seeking to understand how similar tragedies can be prevented in the future.