A gunman impersonating law enforcement is still on the run after assassinating Minnesota House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in what authorities call a politically motivated attack.
At a Glance
- Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is suspected of killing Rep. Melissa Hortman and injuring Sen. John Hoffman in separate targeted shootings
- The shooter wore tactical gear and posed as an officer, escaping after exchanging gunfire with police
- Investigators found a manifesto and a list of 70 political targets—many abortion-rights advocates—in his abandoned fake-police vehicle
- A $50,000 FBI reward is offered, and the manhunt now spans multiple states
- Governor Walz and Senator Klobuchar confirmed the killings were politically driven and linked to the suspect’s ideological grievances
Targeted Assassinations Rock Minnesota
The killings began around 2 a.m. Saturday when State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot in Champlin. An hour later, Brooklyn Park police responded to shots at Rep. Melissa Hortman’s home, where she and her husband were fatally shot. Responding officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect—identified as Vance Luther Boelter—but he fled on foot.
Boelter left behind a decoy police SUV stocked with tactical gear, a rubber mask, a manifesto, and a target list that included Governor Tim Walz, Senator Tina Smith, and dozens of other lawmakers affiliated with abortion-rights policies.
FBI Joins Hunt Across State Lines
Federal and state agencies have expanded their search across the Midwest, including into South Dakota. Boelter, described as armed and extremely dangerous, is believed to still be in disguise. Authorities have warned the public not to approach anyone posing as an officer unless properly verified.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest.
Political Fallout and Public Fear
Governor Tim Walz called the shootings “an act of political terrorism,” while Senator Amy Klobuchar confirmed increased security measures for herself and others named in the suspect’s documents.
The attack has renewed urgent discussions about political violence in America, especially threats toward elected officials tied to reproductive rights and social policy. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed outrage, calling for unity and tightened protections for public servants.
As Minnesota mourns and law enforcement closes in, the nation watches for answers—and justice.
