Politically Motivated Assassination: Minnesota Lawmaker, Husband Dead in Shocking Shooting, Suspect Hunted

Police in Minnesota are searching for a suspect after a fatal shooting at a home left a state lawmaker and her husband dead. Authorities describe this as a "politically-motivated assassination."

Early Saturday, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed. The suspect remains on the run, according to officials speaking at a news conference.

The same suspect reportedly targeted Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were also shot multiple times. Governor Tim Walz said both Hoffman and his wife are out of surgery and receiving care. He expressed cautious optimism about their chances of survival.

President Donald Trump has been informed of the shootings. He stated that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are leading the investigation.

Sources say the FBI and local police are looking for a man dressed in black body armor and a blue shirt. The suspect may have pretended to be a law officer. One law enforcement official told CNN that he might have had a Taser, a badge, and police gear, and he is believed to be on foot. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed this.

The suspect has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. He works for Praetorian Guard Security. The company's website says Boelter is the director of security patrols. He has training from the U.S. Military.

Gov. Walz called the attacks a "politically-motivated assassination." Police searching Boelter’s car found a manifesto with a hit list. This list includes nearly 70 names of abortion providers, advocates, and lawmakers from Minnesota and other states, a source told CNN.

Senator Amy Klobuchar shared her thoughts on social media. She called the violence "stunning" and praised law enforcement for their quick response. She also sent her prayers to the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both are friends and dedicated public servants.

The shootings happened in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. On Saturday morning, Brooklyn Park police ordered a shelter-in-place within a 3-mile radius of Edinburgh Golf Course.

Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, now leading the group GIFFORDS that fights gun violence, issued a statement. She said she was "horrified and heartbroken" over the attack. Giffords survived a shooting in an Arizona supermarket parking lot in 2011. She emphasized that attacking lawmakers is an attack on American democracy.

Giffords stressed that leaders must speak out against violent extremism threatening the country’s core values.

Hoffman, a Democrat, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He also served as vice chair of the large Anoka Hennepin School Board.

Hortman, a lawyer and former House Speaker, was elected in 2004. She has been a top Democratic leader in Minnesota’s Legislature.