Minnesota lawmaker breaks down in tears in viral video before fatal shooting

A search is on for the suspect in the fatal shooting of Minnesota lawmakers, who was allegedly dressed as a police officer and driving a fake police cruiser.

Minnesota representative Melissa Hortman, who was shot and killed on Saturday, was seen breaking down in tears in a viral video after siding with Republicans on cutting healthcare access of undocumented immigrants.

Melissa Hortman had recently voted in favour of cutting healthcare for undocumented immigrants (via REUTERS)

Hortman, who was the only Democrat who voted for the divisive measure against adult immigrants said in the video, "I did what leaders do... I stepped up and I got the job done for the people of Minnesota."

Shortly after the video was taken, Hortman and her husband were killed in a “politically motivated” attack. State senator John Hoffman and his spouse were also shot, and are currently in hospital receiving treatment.

A search is on for the suspect, who was allegedly dressed as a police officer and driving a fake police cruiser.

Minnesota governor Tim Walz said during a press conference, “Our state lost a great leader and I lost the dearest of friends. We must all, Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence.”

“We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” Walz said of the senator Hoffmans and his wife's condition.

Brooklyn Park Police described the suspect as “a white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over blue shirt and blue pants.”

“Do not approach and do not answer door unless two officers approach together. Call 911 to verify officer identity first,” police said in an alert.

President Donald Trump issued a statement condemning the attack, “I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America."