A Lawmaker Was Shot: Here’s What DHS Knew a Year Ago—and What Facts are Known, Now

The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter-Facts Update

Here’s an update on know facts at the moment…all in one place.

1. Internal DHS Bulletin Warned of “Symbolic Target Risks”

A year before Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were gunned down in Minnesota…a leaked Department of Homeland Security memo had explicitly warned of a growing threat: “attacks against public officials at their personal residences,” citing doxing…swatting…and targeted violence.

The memo flagged "former and current left‑of‑center legislators" as symbolic targets...noting that the danger was shifting away from public spaces and toward private homes.

Fact:

A leaked Department of Homeland Security memo—circulated earlier this year—warned that high-profile public officials were increasingly “vulnerable to attack” at their private residences…noting a rise in online threats…doxing…and violent intent targeting lawmakers’ homesusamriid.health.mil+4moritzlaw.osu.edu+4fema.gov+4thedailybeast.com.

Fact:

It specifically labeled residences as “symbolic targets,” flagging several states, including Minnesota…as potential danger zones. Despite its urgency…senior aides admit no protective actions were taken…even when federal analysts flagged it .

2. “High-Risk Zones” Quietly Escalated

Fact: Following the assassination…Minnesota authorities canceled “No Kings” protests out of caution and issued safety warnings to residents after two lawmakers were shot in their homesnpr.org+14apnews.com+14valleynewslive.com+14.

Fact:

Minnesota issued a statewide manhunt and activated the State Emergency Operations Center…signaling an elevated political threat level startribune.com+2the-sun.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2.

Fact:

Federal officials responded—Michigan and other states have since stepped up security around public officials…including details for Minnesota’s congressional delegation thedailybeast.com.

What Happens Next?

Fact:

Democratic leaders, including Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, have publicly requested increased security measures for targeted officials nationwide politico.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1.

Fact:

Minnesota facilities and protest events have been flagged, with some “No Kings” permits canceled statewide politico.com+10valleynewslive.com+10axios.com+10.

Fact:

The FBI has joined the manhunt…and state agencies are implementing shelter-in-place and protective orders.

Warmly,

Jack