Melissa Hortman, a Minnesota lawmaker who was gunned down in what is described as a politically motivated attack, earned degrees at Boston University and Harvard.

Live updates: Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect to appear in court on murder charges after huge manhunt Almost 200 law enforcement — including members of 20 regional and local SWAT teams — descended on eastern Sibley County to apprehend suspect Vance Boelter.

NEW YORK (AP) — The man accused of assassinating the top Democrat in the Minnesota House held deeply religious and politically conservative views, telling a congregation in Africa two years ago that the U.S. was in a “bad place” where most churches didn’t oppose abortion.

When a long-time Minnesota lawmaker died after a battle with ALS, former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman helped pass historic legislation in search of a cure.

A dedicated volunteer who taught Sunday school and loved dogs. A lawyer who served as a Girl Scout Leader and worked at her dad’s auto parts store. A mother and wife whose husband was killed alongside her.

Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, State Sen. John Hoffman and their spouses were all shot early Saturday in targeted attacks.

Melissa Hortman’ s influence at the Minnesota Capitol and her power as a Democratic leader to shape the course of a deeply divided Legislature were a far cry from her job as a teenager making chili-cheese burritos and overshadowed her volunteer work training service dogs for veterans.

State Rep. Melissa Hortman and State Sen. John Hoffman, who were targeted by a shooter on Saturday, were longtime members of Minnesota's state legislature.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson on Monday detailed the “chilling” background surrounding the fatal shootings of Democrat Minnesota state Rep.