Minnesota Approves Tougher Penalties for Fake Police Officers

Lawmakers Respond After Deadly 2025 Attacks on State Officials

The Minnesota Legislature has unanimously approved a bill that would significantly increase criminal penalties for impersonating a law enforcement officer, sending the measure to Governor Tim Walz for his signature.

The legislation passed the Minnesota Senate Wednesday in a 67-0 vote after previously clearing the House by a 134-0 margin in April. The bipartisan support reflects growing concern over the dangers posed by individuals falsely presenting themselves as police officers.

Carla Nelson, a Republican from Rochester and co-sponsor of the bill, said the legislation was driven in large part by the violent attacks targeting Minnesota lawmakers in 2025.

“What happened to Melissa and Mark Hortman and John and Yvette Hoffman last year shook all of us to our core,” Nelson said in a statement. “This bill won’t undo any of those horrors, but it will at least send a clear message that impersonating a peace officer is a serious crime, and we will treat it that way.”

A Response to a High-Profile Tragedy

The proposal stems from the events of June 14, 2025, when a gunman reportedly posed as a police officer while carrying out attacks on Minnesota elected officials and their families.

According to lawmakers, the suspect arrived at the home of then-House Speaker Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park wearing what appeared to be a police uniform and driving a vehicle equipped with police-style markings. Authorities said the individual identified himself as a police officer before fatally shooting Melissa and Mark Hortman.

The same suspect also allegedly shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, at their Champlin home that same morning. Investigators said additional lawmakers were also targeted during the incident.

The attacks prompted renewed debate over the legal consequences for impersonating law enforcement and the broader risks posed when individuals misuse police imagery, equipment, or authority to gain trust or access.

Stronger Criminal Penalties

Under current Minnesota law, falsely impersonating a police officer is classified as a misdemeanor offense. The newly approved legislation would substantially raise those penalties.

The updated law would make basic police impersonation a felony punishable by up to two years in prison.

More serious conduct involving police equipment or deception tactics would carry steeper penalties. Using flashing police lights or sirens, driving a vehicle designed to resemble a police squad car, or displaying equipment intended to convince someone that a person is an officer would become a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

The legislation also adds enhanced penalties for anyone who commits another crime while impersonating a law enforcement officer, allowing prosecutors to pursue additional punishment beyond the underlying offense.

Supporters of the bill argued the tougher penalties better reflect the potential danger created when individuals abuse public trust in law enforcement.

New Identification Requirements for Officers

In addition to increasing penalties, the bill also establishes new identification requirements for licensed peace officers during routine interactions with the public.

Under the measure, officers performing standard policing duties such as traffic stops, detentions, or arrests would be required to identify themselves by name, employer, and badge or identification number.

The requirement would not apply to undercover officers unless they are actively detaining or arresting someone.

Supporters say the provision is intended to improve transparency and help the public distinguish legitimate officers from impersonators.

Broad Law Enforcement Support

The legislation received backing from several statewide law enforcement organizations, including the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Association, the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, and the Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association.

Additional support came from Law Enforcement Labor Services, the Minnesota State Patrol Troopers Association, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Department of Corrections Fugitive Apprehension Unit.

If signed by Governor Walz, the law will take effect on August 1, 2026.