BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) — A manhunt unfolded in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park on Saturday following the shocking assassination of Democratic state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home. Officials have described the attack as a politically motivated assassination, with Governor Tim Walz condemning the violence. The gunman is also accused of shooting and injuring Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at a different location in Champlin, approximately nine miles away.
Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the suspect in the shootings, and he remains at large. Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, urged the public to report any sightings of Boelter, who was seen wearing a tan cowboy hat during the incident. Investigators have obtained video footage of him and displayed his photograph to the public.
Boelter is noted to have previously served on the Minnesota workforce development board with Hoffman. While the nature of their relationship remains unclear, he reportedly had “No Kings” flyers in his vehicle and writings that mentioned the victims and other lawmakers. This has led authorities to suspect that there may have been additional targets in mind.
The attacks come amid rising political violence across the nation, prompting concerns for the safety of elected officials. The FBI is joining the investigation into the shootings, with President Donald Trump condemning the violence and promising that those responsible will face justice. The suspect was reported to be heavily armed, having access to several AK-style firearms found in his vehicle, and is believed to be carrying a pistol as well.
According to police reports, the chaos began early Saturday morning when gunfire was reported at the Hoffmans' home around 2 a.m. Police found Senator Hoffman and his wife with multiple gunshot wounds. Upon arriving at Hortman's residence, officers encountered a man dressed as a police officer who opened fire on them, but he managed to retreat into the house and escape.
Hortman, 55, had been a significant figure in Minnesota politics, serving as the Democratic leader in the state House since 2017. She had recently engaged in a power struggle with Republicans, and Governor Walz referred to her as an irreplaceable public servant. The couple has two adult children. Senator Hoffman, 60, has represented the area since 2012 and has played a crucial role in overseeing significant portions of the state budget through his chairmanship of the Senate Human Services Committee.
Following the attacks, State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic advised the public to avoid attending any planned “No Kings” protests against President Trump, initially scheduled to take place that day. While officials had no direct evidence the protests would be targeted, they took precautionary measures due to the suspect's connections to the materials found in his vehicle.
Vance Boelter, who was appointed to the workforce development board in 2016 and reappointed in 2019, is also the co-founder of Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC. His background includes work as a security contractor and various managerial roles in Minnesota, though further details about his motivations remain undisclosed.
Law enforcement, equipped with tactical gear and assault-style weapons, has been conducting a massive search effort for Boelter, prompting locals to shelter in place. An alert sent to residents described Boelter as a white male with brown hair, wearing body armor and advised citizens not to approach him but to call authorities if he is spotted. Community members have expressed shock and concern over the attacks targeting elected officials.
Ongoing attacks against lawmakers in recent years highlight a troubling trend in political violence across the United States. High-profile incidents include attempts to harm leaders from both major political parties, leading Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer to demand heightened security measures for senators amid growing concerns over their safety.
