Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings: Manhunt Underway After Political Attack Kills State Rep, Husband
Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a politically charged shooting. Suspect Vance Boelter remains at large amid rising U.S. tensions.
Enet
Brooklyn Park, MN – A national manhunt is underway for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the suspect in a deadly shooting that claimed the life of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. The incident, believed to be politically motivated, has shocked the state and the nation.
According to Governor Tim Walz, the shootings occurred on Saturday, amid rising tensions across the U.S. as protests erupt against President Donald Trump’s policies. Authorities confirmed that State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were also shot in a separate incident in Champlin, but both survived.
FBI Identifies Suspect as Armed and Dangerous
Boelter remains at large and is considered armed, dangerous, and possibly fleeing the Minneapolis area. The FBI has released surveillance footage showing him wearing what appears to be a latex mask, possibly to conceal his identity. Officials say he was impersonating a law enforcement officer during the attacks.
Flyers protesting Trump, along with a manifesto naming politicians and officials, were discovered in Boelter’s vehicle, suggesting a deep-seated political motive.
“This was not random. It was targeted,” said Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
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Suspect Left Chilling Message
Boelter's roommate, David Carlson, told local media he received a disturbing message:
“I’ll be gone for a while… might be dead soon.”
The FBI is now investigating whether Boelter acted alone or had accomplices.
Nationwide Repercussions and Security Alerts
The attack has sent shockwaves across the U.S., with officials urging Minnesotans to avoid political rallies temporarily. Still, thousands gathered in St. Paul for a planned protest and tribute to Hortman.
Attorney General Keith Ellison spoke emotionally at the gathering:
“Melissa was a warrior for the people. Her death is a blow to democracy.”
In Texas, officials evacuated the state capitol following threats to lawmakers, highlighting growing concerns about politically motivated violence nationwide.
National Mourning and Reactions
Gabby Giffords, gun violence survivor and former Congresswoman, expressed her sorrow online:
“Melissa Hortman’s death is a tragedy. We must stand united to defend democracy against the barrel of a gun.”
Since Trump’s return to the presidency in January, the U.S. has become increasingly polarized. Critics point to his harsh immigration policies, actions against universities and the press, and his expanding executive authority.
Shelter-in-Place Lifted in Brooklyn Park
Police have lifted the shelter-in-place order in Brooklyn Park, believing Boelter has left the area. Still, residents remain on edge as law enforcement intensifies its efforts to capture the fugitive.
The FBI urges anyone with information to call their 24-hour tip line and warns the public not to approach Boelter under any circumstances.
