(UPDATE 2) Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed early Saturday morning in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “politically-motivated assassination.” The same individual also targeted Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, shooting them multiple times. The Hoffmans have undergone surgery and are currently alive, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism for their survival.

The attacks occurred at the lawmakers’ homes in the Minneapolis suburbs of Champlin and Brooklyn Park. A massive manhunt is currently underway for the suspect, who remains at large. Officials at a news conference indicated that the FBI is assisting in the investigation. Authorities are searching for a male described as a white man with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and trousers, who may have impersonated law enforcement.

Governor Tim Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center and is on the scene, pledging the full resources of the State of Minnesota to local law enforcement. “This is a stunning act of violence. I’m thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time,” US Senator Amy Klobuchar stated on social media. “My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service.”

The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order for a 3-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course as a precautionary measure.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a targeted shooting in 2011 and now leads a national gun violence prevention organization, expressed her profound sorrow. “I am horrified and heartbroken by last last night’s attack on two patriotic public servants,” Giffords said in a statement. “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.”