The most devastating of the attacks took place around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, when State Representative Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark Hortman, were gunned down at their home in Brooklyn Park. A short time earlier, at approximately 2 a.m., State Senator John Hoffman, 60, and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, were shot multiple times in a similar incident at their Champlin residence. Both remain hospitalized and are expected to survive.

Authorities say the suspect, Boelter, was impersonating a police officer—complete with body armor, emergency lights on his vehicle, a fake badge, and a uniform indistinguishable from that of a real law enforcement officer.

A Politically Motivated Assassination

Investigators confirmed that a manifesto found in Boelter’s car listed multiple current and former Minnesota public officials as potential targets. Gov. Tim Walz described the violence as a “targeted political assassination.”

“This was not a random act,” said Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. “This was a deliberate, ideologically motivated plan aimed at our elected officials.”

Boelter remains at large, prompting law enforcement to issue a shelter-in-place order for the Brooklyn Park and Champlin areas, particularly near the Edinburgh Golf Course. Residents are urged to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity immediately.

The Victims

Rep. Melissa Hortman

A stalwart of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor (DFL) Party, Hortman was serving her 11th term in the Minnesota Legislature and was a former Speaker of the House. She was widely respected across party lines for her intellect, integrity, and dedication to public service.

“Melissa woke up every day determined to make this state a better place,” said Gov. Walz. “She is irreplaceable.”

“She was a tireless, devoted public servant who deeply loved our state,” added DFL Chair Richard Carlbom.

Sen. John Hoffman

Hoffman has served in the Senate since 2012, representing District 34, which includes Champlin and Rogers. He chaired the Human Services Committee and was known for his work on health, energy, and environmental issues. Both he and his wife, Yvette, underwent emergency surgery and are recovering.

The Suspect: Vance Luther Boelter

Once regarded as a respected voice in Minnesota’s workforce development space, Boelter’s past political appointments now stand in chilling contrast to the violence he is suspected of unleashing. Appointed to high-level state workforce councils by two successive governors, Boelter had previously operated within government circles.

The revelation that such a politically connected individual is now suspected of orchestrating a targeted shooting spree has stunned the state.

A Chilling Modus Operandi

According to police, Boelter knocked on the doors of both homes, posing as a law enforcement officer. At the Hortman residence, after firing on police who responded to a 911 call, Boelter reportedly shot Mark Hortman outside the home before forcing his way in and fatally shooting Rep. Hortman. He fled out the back before officers could apprehend him.

Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson expressed deep concern over the impersonation. “This individual exploited the trust our uniform represents. It’s a betrayal of everything law enforcement stands for.”     

National Reaction and Federal Involvement

Flags across Minnesota have been lowered to half-staff. President Donald Trump confirmed that the FBI is now assisting in the manhunt and investigation.

“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” Trump said. “God bless the great people of Minnesota.”

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called the incident “a stunning act of violence.” Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, herself a survivor of political violence, released a statement saying, “An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself.”

Moving Forward

Law enforcement officials are urging residents to remain vigilant. “We will not allow fear or violence to define who we are,” Commissioner Jacobson said. “This is a dark day for Minnesota and for democracy—but it will not be our defining one.”

This remains a developing story. Authorities continue to search for Boelter, who should be considered armed and extremely dangerous. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension tip line or dial 911.