A shocking act of violence rocked Minnesota on Saturday, leaving one state representative and her husband dead, and another state senator and his wife injured. The suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, remains at large, prompting a massive manhunt. Governor Tim Walz described the attacks as “an act of targeted political violence,” a chilling assessment given the circumstances.
The shootings occurred early Saturday morning. State Representative Melissa Hortman, a prominent Democrat and former Speaker of the House, and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park. Around an hour and a half later, Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot at their home in nearby Champlin. Both Hoffman and his wife sustained multiple gunshot wounds but are reportedly in stable condition.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described a chaotic scene at the Hortman residence, where officers encountered a man dressed in police attire who exchanged gunfire with them before fleeing. The suspect’s vehicle was later recovered, revealing disturbing clues. Inside, investigators found fliers related to a planned Minneapolis rally, along with a list of prominent Minnesota abortion rights advocates, many of whom are Democratic lawmakers known for their outspoken stance on the issue.
Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old white man with a background in security, has been named as the prime suspect. Investigators are exploring Boelter’s apparent connections to Praetorian Guard Security Services, suggesting he may have had specialized knowledge and training that aided in the attacks. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Minnesota political community and beyond. The targeted nature of the attacks, coupled with the discovered list, strongly suggests a politically motivated crime. Governor Walz ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Representative Hortman, praising her dedication to public service. The manhunt continues, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to apprehend Boelter and prevent further violence.
This developing story underscores the alarming rise of political violence and the urgent need for measures to protect elected officials and their families. The nation awaits updates as the investigation progresses and the search for Boelter continues.
