Trump condemns ‘terrible shooting’ of Minnesota lawmakers, calls it a targeted attack

US President Donald Trump on Saturday condemned what he described as the “terrible shooting” of two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota, calling it a targeted act of violence that must not be tolerated.“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers,” Trump said in a statement. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”The shooting spree, which took place Saturday morning in two towns near Minneapolis, killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left state Senator John Hoffman and his wife wounded. Authorities believe the attack was politically motivated.Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the details during a press conference, calling it “an assassination” and urging the nation to stand against all forms of political violence. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable,” he said.The suspect, who fled after exchanging gunfire with officers, was reportedly posing as a law enforcement officer. Authorities say the individual used a vehicle that looked identical to a police SUV and exploited public trust in uniformed personnel.“This is a betrayal of what our uniforms represent,” said Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson. A shelter-in-place order was issued Saturday morning as a multi-agency manhunt, including the FBI, continued.US Attorney General Pam Bondi vowed federal support for the investigation, calling the killings “horrific” and promising prosecution “to the fullest extent of the law.”Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman and gun violence survivor, said, “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.”