Charged

The man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker faces multiple state and federal charges as more details emerge.

Prosecutors say the 57-year-old man “stalked his victims,” visiting each home and taking notes before the night of the attack. He’s been charged with murder in the deaths of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and has attempted murder charges for the shootings of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

Officials report the gunman visited the homes of two other Democratic lawmakers in between the attacks—one of those lawmakers was on vacation; at the other, a responding officer mistook the suspect (who did not speak) for fellow law enforcement. He later texted his family, saying, in part, that he “went to war last night” and encouraged them to leave the house. 

See a full timeline of events here.

ABOVE ALL, LOVE
Christians have a hard job. Imitating our just and merciful Father, we must simultaneously celebrate justice, come alongside victims in their pain, and demonstrate our love for the guilty. 

“But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High. For he is gracious to the ungrateful and evil. Be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.”  
Luke 6:35-36 (CSB) (read full passage)