The Governor of the U.S. state of Minnesota, Tim Walz, claims that former Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a politically motivated assassination attempt, reports the Associated Press.

Another lawmaker and his wife sustained gunshot wounds.

"We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Walz said at a press conference on Saturday. "Those responsible will be held accountable."

The injured lawmaker was identified as State Senator John Hoffman, a Democrat who was first elected in 2012. He runs a consulting firm called Hoffman Strategic Advisors.

Previously, he served as vice chair of the Anoka-Hennepin school board, which oversees the largest school district in Minnesota. Hoffman is married and has a daughter. Hortman was a Democratic leader in the state legislature and a former Speaker of the House. She was first elected in 2004.

Both Hoffman and Hortman represented districts located north of Minneapolis.

Superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Drew Evans stated that authorities are actively searching for the suspect. Officials said the suspect was dressed as a law enforcement officer. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the extent of the injuries, but according to Evans, Hortman and her husband died from gunshot wounds.