ST. PAUL: Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband were shot dead, while a second lawmaker and his wife were wounded in two separate attacks described as a politically motivated assassination.

According to Qatar News Agency, Melissa Hortman and her spouse were killed in an “act of targeted political violence,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz told reporters on Saturday. These attacks have raised concerns about the safety of public officials, as both incidents appear to be politically motivated.

State Senator John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were targeted in their home in a related shooting. They were shot multiple times and have undergone surgery. Governor Walz mentioned he was “cautiously optimistic” about their chances of recovery, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

In both attacks, authorities believe the assailant impersonated a law enforcement officer, a detail that has complicated the investigation. The gunman managed to escape during an exchange of fire with officers, adding to the challenges faced by law enforcement in apprehending the suspect.