NEW YORK -- Mayor Ryan Sabas of Champlin, the US state of Minnesota, said state senator John Hoffman and state representative Melissa Hortman, as well as their spouses, were shot at home early Saturday, local media reported.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz confirmed the deaths of Hortman and her husband at a press conference.

The shooting "appears to be a politically motivated assassination," said Walz.

Fox 9 quoted a police source as saying authorities are searching for a suspect involved in multiple targeted shootings.

Investigators believe the suspect may have posed as a law enforcement officer. Authorities said they are working to establish a motive in the early stages of the investigation.