A manhunt unfolded on Shabbos across the Minneapolis suburbs as authorities searched for a suspect accused of impersonating a law enforcement officer and murdering a sitting Democratic legislator. The shootings, described by Governor Tim Walz as “a politically motivated assassination,” resulted in the deaths of Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, and left Senator John Hoffman and his wife wounded. Officials believe the suspect attempted to flee following the attacks.
The victims were shot in two separate early-morning incidents—first in Champlin, where police responded to reports of gunfire and found Hoffman and his wife Yvette suffering from multiple bullet wounds, and later in Brooklyn Park, where law enforcement, acting on a welfare check, encountered the suspect as he was exiting the Hortman residence dressed in a police uniform and near a car resembling a squad vehicle.
“When officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley. The man managed to escape on foot, triggering a region-wide lockdown and a massive response involving hundreds of armed officers, checkpoints, and tactical units.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. A photo released by officials showed Boelter in a tan cowboy hat, and investigators obtained surveillance footage believed to show his movements. The FBI announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information that leads to his arrest and conviction.
Boelter had previously served as a political appointee on Minnesota’s workforce development board—an entity on which Senator Hoffman also served. It remains unclear what level of interaction, if any, they had during their shared tenure. Boelter’s wife had also registered a private security company called Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC, which advertised armed patrol services using SUV-style vehicles that resembled police cruisers. Online images associated with the business show men in tactical gear with military helmets and ballistic vests.
A source close to the investigation told The Associated Press that Boelter’s car contained “No Kings” flyers—referencing a slogan used by anti-authoritarian protestors—and a collection of writings naming the victims and other political figures. The source added that some of the materials included threats directed at lawmakers who have publicly supported abortion rights. The same source requested anonymity due to the sensitive and ongoing nature of the investigation.
Governor Walz issued a somber message in response to the tragedy, saying, “We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence. Those responsible for this will be held accountable.” He ordered state flags lowered in tribute to Hortman.
Melissa Hortman, 55, had been a prominent Democratic voice in Minnesota politics since 2017 and had most recently held the honorary title of speaker emerita. She had taken a strong stance on reproductive rights, pushing through legislation in 2023 that enshrined abortion protections in Minnesota law, making it a haven for out-of-state patients and shielding providers from legal repercussions.
“She woke up every day, determined to make this state a better place,” said Walz. “She is irreplaceable.” Hortman and her husband, Mark, had two adult children. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner reported that she died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, while her husband was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Senator Hoffman, 60, was elected in 2012 and chaired the influential Senate Human Services Committee. He and his wife both underwent surgery after the attack, and Governor Walz stated, “We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.”
Following the shootings, law enforcement urged state officials to exercise caution. The State Patrol advised Minnesotans to avoid attending “No Kings” protests out of an abundance of caution, even though there was no confirmed threat to the events. Despite the warnings and the official cancellation of organized protests, demonstrators still gathered at the Capitol and across the Twin Cities.
Boelter reportedly sent cryptic text messages to acquaintances before disappearing. According to the Star Tribune, he wrote: “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. … I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.” David Carlson, a friend, read the texts aloud to reporters.
Neighbors in Inver Grove Heights, where Boelter once lived, recalled little about him personally but spoke kindly of his family. “It’s really sad for the kids, very, very nice kids,” said Michael Cassidy, who remembered the suspect’s daughters playing outdoors. He also mentioned that Boelter’s wife had once joined his family in prayer.
A source briefed on the investigation told AP that multiple AK-style rifles were recovered from Boelter’s vehicle. He is believed to still be carrying a pistol. Police said that, based on current intelligence, the suspect had likely left the immediate area, prompting them to lift a temporary shelter-in-place order.
Douglas Thompson, a Brooklyn Park resident, expressed outrage. “This is crazy, someone going after representatives. This is wrong. I’m hoping they’ll catch them.”
The killings added to a growing list of violent incidents targeting political figures. In recent years, politicians across the ideological spectrum have faced threats, assaults, and plots. These include the 2020 kidnapping scheme against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, and the July 2024 attempted assassination of President Donald Trump, in which he was grazed by a bullet that fatally struck a supporter. More recently, a man with a rifle was arrested near Trump’s Florida residence.
In response to the Minnesota shootings, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said he had requested an immediate security review for Democratic Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith. He also called for a bipartisan briefing on lawmaker safety. “Condemning violence is important but it is not enough,” Schumer wrote on X. “We must also confront the toxic forces radicalizing individuals and we must do more to protect one another, our democracy, and the values that bind us as Americans.”
Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, called the events “evil” and said she was “heartbroken beyond words.”
President Donald Trump also issued a statement on the situation: “Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

{Matzav.com}