FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA/AP) — Political leaders across Allen County expressed shock and sorrow Monday in response to a tragic and targeted shooting in Minnesota that left one prominent Democratic lawmaker and her husband dead, and another state senator and his wife seriously wounded.

The shooting has rattled political communities across the U.S., sparking condemnation from both Democrats and Republicans in Indiana.

A Devastating Attack in Minnesota

The Associated Press reports that former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed in their home early Saturday by a man posing as a police officer. The suspect, Vance Boetler, allegedly went on to shoot Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home just a few miles away.

Sen. Hoffman remains in critical condition.

Federal investigators say Boetler deliberately targeted the lawmakers, though no manifesto or writings have yet been found to explain his motive.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson noted that while the victims were elected Democrats, “it is too early to speculate” on any specific ideological motive.

Allen County Responds: “Violence Has No Place in Democracy”

In Allen County, political leaders issued statements condemning the attack in unified terms.

Allen County Democratic Party Chair Linda Hughes called the shooting “a horrific act of violence that strikes at the heart of public service.”

“We may disagree on policy, but no one should ever fear for their life because they chose to serve their community,” she said. “Melissa Hortman dedicated her life to public education, equality, and civil rights. Her murder is a loss for all Americans.”

Allen County Republican Party Chair Steve Brody echoed the condemnation, saying, “We are horrified by this targeted act of violence. Our thoughts are with the families of all victims. In a democratic society, disagreement should never escalate to bloodshed.”

Brody also called for unity in condemning political violence of any kind: “This is a moment to reaffirm our shared values—not retreat into division.”

A Broader Pattern?

Though investigators are cautious about assigning motive, the targeted nature of the attack has renewed concerns about the rise in threats faced by elected officials in recent years.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security have both noted increases in threats to public officials—at all levels of government—since 2020. While most threats are never acted on, high-profile incidents like this weekend’s shootings intensify fears of political radicalization leading to violence.

In recent months:

• A Florida city council member was assaulted during a town hall.

• Two Michigan state representatives received threats over abortion legislation.

• A California judge was fatally shot in his home in what was later ruled a domestic incident but initially feared to be politically motivated.

Local Security Conversations Underway

Locally, Allen County officials say they’re reviewing security protocols for elected officials, especially those who hold public-facing events or town halls.

Sheriff Troy Hershberger noted that while there are no known local threats, his office is coordinating with state and federal partners to remain vigilant.

“We want every public servant—from mayors to school board members—to feel safe,” Hershberger said. “You can’t have good governance without basic security.”

Remembering Melissa Hortman

Melissa Hortman, 53, served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2005 to 2023, including a term as Speaker from 2019 until her retirement. She was widely regarded as a skilled negotiator and staunch advocate for education reform and climate policy.

In recent years, she had returned to private life but remained active in local political causes.

Allen County Commissioner Erica Davis, who met Hortman at a regional leadership summit in 2021, said she was “deeply saddened.”

“She was the real deal—smart, compassionate, principled. This is just… senseless.”