The President of the United States, Donald Trump, who turns 79 this Saturday and is preparing to star in a historic parade in Washington, expressed sorrow over the double attack in which a Democratic congresswoman was killed and a senator from the same party was injured, and promised justice.
"I have been informed about the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state legislators. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI are investigating the situation and will prosecute all those involved to the fullest extent of the law, wrote the president on his social media, Truth Social.
"Such horrendous violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly wonderful place!", he concluded in a message where he noted that he did not send condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
The unexpected attack
A man disguised as a police officer shot and killed Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Hortman early Saturday morning at her home in Champlin, in the city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and also killed her husband.
Shortly after, in a separate but related attack, state senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, just ten kilometers away from the first attack.
In that case, both survived and are hospitalized in critical but stable condition, as reported at a press conference by the state's governor, the Democrat Tim Walz.
The authorities are investigating the incident as a premeditated political attack, carried out in the early hours of this Saturday by an assailant who has not yet been identified.
The alleged perpetrator of the shootings has been described as a caucasian male with brown hair, wearing a black bulletproof vest over a shirt and blue pants, which made him appear to be a police officer.
Authorities believe that the attacker acted with premeditation and had the two politicians specifically in mind as their targets.
Thus suggested the state's governor, Tim Walz, who indicated that it could be a politically motivated attack: “This is an act of selective political violence, perpetrated in the neighboring municipalities of Champlin and Brooklyn Park.”
Leader in the state Legislative Assembly, she had presided over the House of Representatives in 2004 and was regarded as an influential voice in local politics.
State Senator John Hoffman, recognized for his legislative work on health and human services, is also a member of the Democratic Party and has a long history of public service in Minnesota.
Hoffman and his wife were hospitalized and underwent emergency surgeries.
According to Governor Walz, their health status is "serious," but there is cautious optimism that they may overcome the severity of their injuries.
After the attacks were confirmed, Governor Tim Walz, a former Democratic candidate for the Vice Presidency of the United States, activated the State Emergency Operations Center and stated that the police are investigating the case as a politically motivated crime.
The security forces, including agents from the FBI and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, are collaborating in the investigation. Citizens have also been asked to contribute any relevant information that may help locate the attacker.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Attack on Politicians in Minnesota and Trump's Reaction
What happened in the attack in Minnesota?
A man disguised as a police officer killed Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home in Champlin, Minnesota. Shortly after, in a separate attack, state Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot in Brooklyn Park, sustaining serious injuries. Authorities are investigating the incidents as a premeditated political attack.
What was Donald Trump's reaction to the attack?
Donald Trump lamented the attack and promised that justice will be served. He indicated that the Attorney General and the FBI are investigating the case to prosecute those involved. However, he did not send condolences to the families of the deceased victims in his public message.
Who were Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman?
Melissa Hortman was an influential Democratic congresswoman in Minnesota, a leader in the state Legislative Assembly, and had chaired the House of Representatives in 2004. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, is a state senator known for his work in health and human services. Both were prominent figures in the Democratic Party in the state.
How are the authorities responding to the attack in Minnesota?
The authorities are conducting an intensive investigation of the case as a premeditated political crime. The governor of Minnesota has activated the State Emergency Operations Center, and there is close collaboration between the FBI, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, and local law enforcement to locate the attacker.
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