Minnesota is on high alert following a shocking early-morning shooting spree that left two legislators, their spouses, and a mass of targeted violence in its wake. The suspect has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who allegedly disguised himself as a police officer and executed a calculated assault.
Around 2 a.m., law enforcement responded to an emergency call at the home of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in Champlin. Both were critically wounded but have since undergone surgery and are expected to survive. Later, in Brooklyn Park, the suspect proceeded to the residence of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. Both were killed.
Investigators say Boelter used a vehicle outfitted with emergency lights and a fake badge to mislead victims before opening fire. Authorities discovered in his abandoned vehicle a manifesto naming nearly 70 individuals—lawmakers, abortion-rights proponents, and other political figures—and materials linked to the “No Kings” protest movement. Firearms and police-style gear were also recovered.
Boelter, a former appointee to Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board with a background in private security, is now considered armed and extremely dangerous. A massive manhunt is underway, bolstered by assistance from the FBI, with a $50,000 reward announced for information leading to his arrest.
Governor Tim Walz and law enforcement have condemned the events as politically motivated violence. A shelter-in-place advisory was briefly issued for parts of Brooklyn Park, and security protocols have been tightened—advising residents to verify any law enforcement entries physically. Meanwhile, some planned public protests were canceled amid safety concerns.