The nation grappled with news early Saturday morning that Minnesota State Sens. JOHN HOFFMAN and MELISSA HORTMAN, both Democrats, had been shot in their homes. The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions, with many Americans already on edge due to planned protests and counter-protests.

Gov. TIM WALZ addressed the public, stating, “This was an act of targeted political violence.”

According to officials, the assailant impersonated a police officer and used a vehicle that “looked exactly like a police vehicle.” Authorities also discovered a “manifesto” and a potential hit list in the suspect’s possession.

Tragically, HORTMAN was pronounced dead. HOFFMAN underwent surgery and was reported to be alive at the time of the press conference.

Political reactions and Protest Cancellations

“This was an act of targeted political violence.”

In the wake of the shooting, a No Kings Day protest in Minneapolis was called off. Though, similar demonstrations proceeded as scheduled in other cities, including Philadelphia, where protesters gathered and marched.

MSNBC’s ALI VELSHI and former FBI special agent JOHN D’AMICO expressed their astonishment at the suspect’s ability to convincingly impersonate law enforcement.

The shootings have ignited discussions across social media platforms, including X, formerly Twitter.

Former Rep. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS (D-Arizona), a survivor of an assassination attempt,shared her grief: “I’m devastated to learn that my friend,minnesota Speaker Emerita MELISSA HORTMAN and her husband,MARK HORTMAN,were killed in last night’s shooting.”

GIFFORDS added, “MELISSA was a true public servant who dedicated her life building a better, safer Minnesota. This is a profound loss for all who loved MELISSA and MARK, and for our nation. There will be more to say, but this much is clear: we must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun.”

GIFFORDS’ husband, Sen. MARK KELLY (D-Arizona), posted, “The shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses last night is horrifying. I’m keeping them, their families, and local law enforcement in my thoughts. Political violence aims to frighten and keep us from participating in our democracy, shattering families and communities. GABBY and I know that all too well. We all must work together to stop it.”

House Minority Leader HAKEEM JEFFRIES (D-New York) posted, “The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator JOHN HOFFMAN and State Rep. MELISSA HORTMAN are deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable. Praying hard for the victims and all who have been affected.”

ANDERSON CLAYTON, chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, wrote, “The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator JOHN HOFFMAN and State Rep. MELISSA HORTMAN are a product of TRUMP’s incitement of political violence. I’m thinking of their families who loved them deeply today. But this is unacceptable and we need to hear the President condemn it.”

White House Press Secretary KAROLINE LEVITT tweeted, “Statement from President DONALD J.TRUMP I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, PAM BONDI, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

POSITIVELY AWARE’s RICK GUASCO noted, “The gunman killed a state rep & her husband after having shot and injured a state senator & his wife. A manifesto left by the gunman included a hit list of Democratic lawmakers.Flyers with ‘No Kings’ were found in the backseat of the suspect’s vehicle.”

Rep.VERONICA ESCOBAR (D-Texas) tweeted, “this devastating, shocking and terrifying assassination is beyond explanation. My heart goes out to Minnesotans.Our country is in a vrey dark place right now. I am praying for the safety of all Americans. And praying for a path to peace in our nation.”

2020 Democrat presidential candidate ANDREW YANG posted, “Oh no. The shooting of Minnesota legislators is unthinkable and reprehensible. I feel for their families and for the whole country. May this pull us back to some level of boundaries and away from polarization. Tribalism will tear us apart and lead to more loss of life.”

Talk show host DEAN OBEIDALLAH tweeted, “UPDATE: Law enforcement now say the shooting of the two democratic members of Minnesota state legislature was ‘targeted.’ State Sen. JOHN HOFFMAN and state Rep.MELISSA HORTMAN shot in home by man pretending to be police. Looking more like political terrorism.