US state politician and husband killed in ‘targeted' attacks on two Democrats
A second state politician, senator John Hoffman, and his wife were shot and wounded in the 'targeted' attack near Brooklyn Park, Minnesota on Saturday, said governor Tim Walz.
I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center.
Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will share more information soon.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025
'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Mr Walz said at a press conference on Saturday.
'Those responsible for this will be held accountable.'
Mr Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012 and runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm.
He previously served as vice-chairman of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota. Mr Hoffman is married and has one daughter.
Ms Hortman was the top house Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former house speaker. She was first elected in 2004.
Both Mr Hoffman and Ms Hortman represented districts located north of Minneapolis.
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said that authorities were actively searching for a suspect.
Post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine extent of injuries, but Ms Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, Mr Evans said.
Public safety commissioner Bob Johnson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.
He said: '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 honour and responsibility.'
The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated during a time of deep political divisions.
Giffords, the national gun violence prevention organisation led by former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement.
'I am horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants,' Ms Giffords said.
'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.
'Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for.'
Ms Giffords was shot in the head in 2011 by a gunman who killed six people and injured 12 others.
She stepped down from congress in January 2012 to focus on her recovery.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
10 minutes ago
- Metro
WWE fans call for Night of Champions to be 'cancelled' after Iran strikes
WWE has faced calls to consider moving this weekend's Night of Champions event out of Saudi Arabia following the US strikes on Iran. The sports entertainment juggernaut is set to broadcast both Friday Night Champion and Saturday's premium live event (PLE) from the kingdom this week. Saturday's show will be the 13th PLE the company has held in Saudi Arabia under its 10-year partnership supporting Saudi Vision 2030. As well as a blockbuster world championship bout between Hollywood star John Cena and longtime rival CM Punk, the likes of Randy Orton, Asuka and Dominik Mysterio are booked for the event. The Saudi deal is a big money spinner for WWE, and the promotion has already announced its return in January 2026 with the Royal Rumble moving outside North America for the first time. With the major event just days away, many fans are calling for the company to take action and either cancel both SmackDown and Night of Champions, or move them to another location. While there has been no suggestion Iran could launch an attack on Saudi Arabia, WWE fans are concerned about the close proximity between the two countries in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry has called for de-escalation and restraint, adding that they are following the situation with 'deep concern'. In recent years, Saudi Arabia – which has relied on US support in the past – has sought for diplomacy with Iran, which mean it may be a less likely target. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Iranian state television has claimed 'every American citizen or military personnel in the region is now a target', which has sparked further fears given WWE's show in Riyadh. X user @tbrunowvu wrote: '@WWE should cancel Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. 'With Iran warning that 'every American in the region is now a target' after U.S. airstrikes, there's no way to guarantee the safety of talent or fans. No match is worth risking lives. Pull the plug @TKOGrp @TripleH' '@WWE needs to cancel going to Saudi and move Night of Champions to the performance centre or another city in Canada or the US,' added @TheGoodGary, while @coachbronze said: '@WWE please cancel the show.' And @HUMAT0N urged: 'Cancel Night Of Champions. Nothing is worth that risk, even if the risk might be small.' As it stands, WWE has not given any signs the show will be cancelled. Although Metro has contacted the company, we're yet to hear back. More information could be given during tonight's Monday Night Raw broadcast live on Netflix. A decision will have to be made soon, with WWE talent and crew set to fly out to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. According to PWInsider, crew already in Riyadh have continued pre-production work as normal. In on-screen general manager Adam Pearce's preview for tonight's show, he referenced Night of Champions without mentioning Saudi Arabia – but that could have been to keep his weekly announcement video short and sweet. It's unlikely the event would get cancelled outright, and the deal with Saudi Arabia could impact the decision. Meanwhile, it's important to note that there has been no direct threat made to Saudi Arabia, which could mean WWE and its parent company TKO decide to move on with the week as normal. The US, where WWE will be leaving from on a charter flight, has called for 'increased caught'. A statement on the government website reads: 'The conflict between Israel and Iran has resulted in disruptions to travel and periodic closure of airspace across the Middle East. More Trending 'There is the potential for demonstrations against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens worldwide to exercise increased caution.' In an update on the Foreign Office pages for several destinations, the UK warns that 'ongoing hostilities' have the potential to 'deteriorate quickly'. View More » They are: Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: 'Shelter in place' warning for Americans in Qatar after worldwide travel alert MORE: What will happen if Iran blockades the Strait of Hormuz? MORE: TV star reveals his voice has actually changed thanks to 15 years playing iconic character
South Wales Guardian
23 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Stopping Iran's nuclear programme ‘a good thing', says Downing Street
A Number 10 spokesman said the Government's focus remained on securing a diplomatic solution in the wake of the American attack against Iran's nuclear programme over the weekend. He said: 'We're clear that the prevention of Iran getting nuclear weapons is a good thing for this country. 'But our focus is on diplomacy. That is the priority and that is what every member of this Government is working towards and that's been the focus of the calls with international partners over the weekend.' But asked whether the strikes had breached international law, the spokesman declined to comment, citing the 'long-standing position' that the Government does not disclose the content of legal advice. Earlier, Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged Iran to take a diplomatic 'off-ramp' and engage in talks, as he cautioned Tehran against blockading the Strait of Hormuz or attacking US bases in the Middle East. Questions are being asked about whether the shipping channel or oil exports through it could be blocked amid the tensions. Important discussion with @SecRubio this evening on the situation in the Middle East. We will continue to work with our allies to protect our people, secure regional stability and drive forward a diplomatic solution. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 22, 2025 Speaking to BBC Breakfast on Monday morning, Mr Lammy said he had been 'crystal clear' that 'it would be a huge, catastrophic mistake to fire at US bases in the region at this time. We have forces in the region at this time. 'It would be a catastrophic mistake. It would be a mistake to blockade the Strait of Hormuz.' He said he thinks his counterpart 'gets that and understands that'. The UK has been pressing for Iran to engage in negotiations and diplomacy over the issues, and Mr Lammy told the same programme: 'Let's take the diplomatic off-ramp. Let's get serious and calm this thing down.' Mr Lammy is expected to address MPs in the Commons about the situation on Monday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warned on Sunday that there is a risk of the crisis escalating beyond the Middle East, telling reporters 'that's a risk to the region. It's a risk beyond the region, and that's why all our focus has been on de-escalating, getting people back around to negotiate what is a very real threat in relation to the nuclear programme.' Sir Keir spoke to US President Donald Trump on Sunday, and Downing Street said the leaders agreed Tehran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and called for Iran to return to negotiations. The conversation came after the air raid by American B-2 stealth bombers and a salvo of submarine-launched missiles hit Iran's nuclear facilities. 'They discussed the actions taken by the United States last night to reduce the threat and agreed that Iran must never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon,' Downing Street said. Mr Lammy declined to say on Monday whether the US military action was legal, but added: 'I don't say it's not legitimate'. During an interview on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, it was put to him that it was extraordinary he could not answer the question as critics argue Iran is also a sovereign nation which was attacked without warning. He said: 'I don't think it is extraordinary because this was not the UK's action, we were not involved, we were clear when this began and Israel's attacks began that we were not involved… so I don't say it's not legitimate, but I can tell you as Foreign Secretary that we were not involved.' Chancellor Rachel Reeves was asked about the legality of the strikes as she visited the West Midlands, and said: 'It is up to the US to make that case. We were not involved in these actions and, of course, we would never comment on the legal advice that the Government receives.' — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2025 Mr Lammy also suggested that the action by Mr Trump 'may well have set back Iran several years'. He told the same BBC radio programme that the US president's rhetoric was 'strong' but that strikes had been 'targeted' to 'deal with Iran's nuclear capability'. The Foreign Secretary later added: 'Donald Trump made a decision to act to degrade that capability. It may well have set back Iran by several years. That was a decision that he took.' Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called on the Prime Minister to address the Commons about the situation in the Middle East. He called Mr Trump's strikes a 'seismic moment' and added: 'UK ministers are dodging questions on whether they support these strikes, and failing to guarantee that we won't be dragged into another illegal American war in the Middle East. 'The Prime Minister has not even spoken once in the Commons since this crisis began. He needs to come to Parliament today, update the country on where the UK stands and what he is doing to ensure the situation does not escalate any further.' Overnight, Mr Trump called the future of the Iranian regime into question, posting on his TruthSocial platform: 'It's not politically correct to use the term, 'Regime Change,' but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn't there be a Regime change???' It appeared to be a different approach to that of his defence secretary Pete Hegseth, who had said on Sunday that 'this mission was not and has not been about regime change'.
South Wales Guardian
23 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
285 arrested after massive drugs haul seized by Indonesian authorities
Indonesia is a major hub for drug trafficking in Southeast Asia despite having strict drug laws, with convicted smugglers sometimes executed by firing squad. The head of the National Narcotic Agency, Marthinus Hukom, said the crackdown, launched between April and June across 20 provinces, also uncovered money laundering schemes by two drug syndicates and confiscated assets worth more than 26 billion rupiah (about £1.1 million). Thirty-six of the suspects, including 21 women, were paraded in front of reporters, along with confiscated drugs, in their orange prison uniforms and hands handcuffed. Mr Hukom said the women arrested were mostly housewives. 'I call on Indonesian women to be more vigilant in establishing friendships both in the real world and in cyberspace,' he said during a joint press conference with officials from the security affairs ministry and the customs office who took part in the operation. One of the agency's deputies, Budi Wibowo, said authorities seized 683,885 grams (0.68 ton) of crystal meth, marijuana, ecstasy, THC, hashish and amphetamines, adding this helped stop them falling into the hands of 'more than 1.3 million people'. Mr Wibowo also said that drug syndicates have used various methods to distribute narcotics to users via land and sea transportation or mail services. The seven foreign nationals were an American, two Kazakhs, two Malaysians, an Indian and an Australian, Mr Wibowo said. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime says Indonesia is a major drug-smuggling hub in part because international drug syndicates target its young population. In a separate operation, authorities in the province of Riau Island, exposed in May two cases of drug smuggling in its waters and seized 2.7 tons of crystal methamphetamine and 1.2 tons of ketamine, Mr Hukom said on Monday. In 2023, authorities uncovered more than 52,000 of drug cases and confiscated 6.2 tons of crystal meth, 1.1 tons of marijuana and other types of synthetic narcotics, said Mochammad Hasan of the ministry of security affairs during the press conference. Mr Hasan said the number increased in 2024 with more than 56,000 cases and confiscated 7.5 tons of crystal meth and 3.3 tons of marijuana, with a combine value worth 7.5 trillion rupiah (£340 million). Authorities have arrested a total of 27,357 drug suspects by November 2024, he said. Early this month, three British nationals accused of smuggling nearly a kilogram of cocaine into Indonesia were charged in a court on the tourist island of Bali. They face the death penalty under the country's strict drug laws. About 530 people, including 96 foreigners, are on death row in Indonesia, mostly for drug-related crimes, the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections' data showed. Indonesia's last executions, of an Indonesian and three foreigners, were carried out in July 2016.
