A female lawmaker and her husband were shot dead by a gunman in the US state of Minnesota early Saturday morning local time. Another lawmaker and his wife were injured in the attack by the same gunman.

State Governor Tim Walz described the incident as "politically motivated." The gunman was wearing a police uniform, according to a Reuters report.

The deceased lawmaker was identified as Melissa Hartman, a Democrat and former speaker of Minnesota. Her husband, Mark, was shot and killed in their home near Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz said.

Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were injured in the incident. They were admitted to the hospital. They underwent surgery. Doctors are hopeful that they will survive.

Tim Walz told reporters that this was intentional political violence. He added, "Peaceful discussion is the foundation of our democracy. We do not use violence or weapons to resolve differences of opinion."

Police said the suspected gunman first shot the Hoffman couple. Within 90 minutes, the same incident occurred at the Hartman couple's home. After a shootout with police, the gunman fled. Now, police have launched a major operation to find him.

US President Donald Trump said on the killing of a lawmaker in a gun attack, "I have been briefed on the horrific shooting in Minnesota. It appears that the lawmakers were targeted."

In a statement, the US president said, "Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States. Prayers for the people of Minnesota, they are truly amazing."

The incident comes at a time when political divisions in the United States have become increasingly acute. Protests against Trump's policies have been taking place in various cities across the country since Saturday morning.