Minnesota man shoots two state lawmakers over political motive

Two state lawmakers in Minnesota and their spouses were shot by a politically motivated man on Saturday, leaving two dead and two injured.

Authorities have confirmed that Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were shot and killed at their home in the middle of the night on Saturday. The police were called in around 2 am.

About one and half hours later, police received another call from State Senator John Hoffman's house, about eight miles from the Hortman's residence. He and his wife Yvette were both shot and injured. They have since been operated on and are in recovery.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said in a news brief that the killing "appears to be a politically motivated assassination".

Law enforcement said that a hit list was found in the suspect's car with nearly 70 names. It appeared to target abortion providers and "prominent pro-choice individuals in Minnesota, including many Democratic lawmakers who have been outspoken about pro-choice policy positions," an officer told CNN.

Police have identified the suspect as Vance Boelter, 57, a security guard, who is currently at large as a manhunt is underway to arrest him. Law enforcement have stated that it is unclear whether he acted alone or had accomplices.