A manhunt is underway for Vance Boelter, the prime suspect in what officials are calling a politically motivated assassination that left two Minnesota Democratic politicians dead and two others wounded.
At a Glance
- Former Democratic State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed, while State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded
- Suspect Vance Boelter sent a final text to his roommate suggesting he might soon be dead
- FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest
- Authorities found a list in Boelter’s vehicle with 70 names, including lawmakers and abortion rights advocates
- Boelter was a Trump supporter despite having been appointed by Democratic Governor Tim Walz
Deadly Attack on Democratic Lawmakers
Minnesota authorities are conducting an extensive search for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, following the fatal shootings of former Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in their home. The attack also left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife wounded. Police exchanged gunfire with the suspect early Saturday morning after responding to both lawmakers’ residences. Brooklyn Park authorities have since lifted a shelter-in-place order, believing Boelter has fled the area.
“My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination.”, said Gov. Tim Walz.
Melissa Hortman served as Minnesota House Speaker from 2019 to 2025 and was a top Democratic leader in the state legislature. John Hoffman has been a member of the state senate since 2012 and is a prominent figure in Minnesota’s Democratic party. The FBI has joined local and state authorities in the investigation and announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest and conviction.
A Disturbing Final Message
Shortly after the shootings, Boelter sent a haunting text message to his roommate and best friend, David Carlson. The message indicated Boelter might be dead soon and apologized for any trouble caused. Carlson, alarmed by the text, immediately contacted authorities fearing for Boelter’s safety. Law enforcement later discovered a list in Boelter’s vehicle containing approximately 70 names, including lawmakers, officials, “abortion providers,” and “pro-abortion rights advocates.”
Police have warned that Boelter is armed, dangerous, and may be impersonating law enforcement. Reports indicate he was seen wearing a head-covering mask and police costume during the attacks. Boelter is described as a 6-foot-1 inch white male, approximately 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He works for a security company and is listed as director of security patrols on their website.
Political Contradictions
In a surprising twist, Boelter was previously a political appointee of Democratic Governor Tim Walz, yet was known to have voted for Donald Trump. Carlson revealed that Boelter held anti-abortion views, though according to Carlson, these beliefs weren’t extreme. Boelter had been facing financial difficulties and struggling to find work before the incidents occurred.
“such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”, stated President Donald Trump.
The manhunt continues with law enforcement focusing on Boelter’s part-time residence in North Minneapolis. President Donald Trump has condemned the violence, stating that such attacks will not be tolerated in America. Meanwhile, the political community in Minnesota remains in shock as authorities work to locate the suspect and bring him to justice.
