Law enforcement officials are urging Minnesotans to avoid attending the “No Kings” rallies planned across the state on Saturday, following what authorities are calling “politically motivated assassinations” of two state lawmakers and their spouses.
According to police, Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at their Brooklyn Park home by a gunman impersonating a police officer. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a similar attack at their residence in Champlin.
The rallies—including one at the State Capitol expected to draw as many as 20,000 people—are part of a nationwide protest movement opposing the administration of President Donald Trump. The alleged shooter had “No Kings” flyers in his vehicle and a list of other lawmakers he was likely seeking to target, according to reports.
“Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today’s planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution,” the State Patrol said on X, formerly Twitter.
Gov. Tim Walz, who had been scheduled to speak at the Capitol rally, echoed the State Patrol’s warning, urging Minnesotans to avoid attending the events “until the suspect is apprehended.” As of 11:15 a.m., a smaller rally at St. Paul College was still taking place as planned, while the larger demonstration at the State Capitol was set to begin at 1 p.m.
Organizers of the Capitol rally stated in an earlier news release that the event would proceed as scheduled, although the Capitol building itself would remain closed. “We are horrified by these acts of unspeakable political violence,” the statement from Indivisible Twin Cities said. “We mourn with the state and the families,” the statement said.
“As of now, we are proceeding with the No Kings Twin Cities event. We think it’s important to gather peacefully. In the face of this horror, we will mourn and mark our determination for a peaceful, just, democratic future. Our leadership team is in touch with authorities at the Capitol and will share any updates,” it added.
