A violent Minnesota lawmakers attack has shocked the state, leaving one politician dead and another seriously injured. Authorities are now searching for suspect Vance Luther Boelter, who remains at large after Saturday’s shootings. Governor Tim Walz condemned the violence as a “politically motivated assassination attempt.”
The Minnesota lawmakers attack targeted two Democratic officials in their homes. Police say the suspect impersonated an officer, using a fake badge and a vehicle resembling a police car. Meanwhile, leaders across the political spectrum have denounced the violence.
State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home. Hortman, a 20-year veteran of the Minnesota House, served as Speaker from 2019 to 2025. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife survived multiple gunshot wounds. Both underwent surgery and are recovering. Officials confirmed the attacks happened early Saturday in Brooklyn Park.
Police first responded to Hoffman’s home around 2:00 AM. Later, officers arrived at Hortman’s residence in Champlin after a second emergency call. There, they exchanged gunfire with the suspect before he fled. Investigators found a manifesto and a target list in Boelter’s abandoned vehicle. U.S. Senator Tina Smith was among those listed, her office confirmed.
Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is a security contractor with experience overseas. He once served on the same state board as Hoffman, though their relationship remains unclear. Before the attack, Boelter sent a chilling text to friends: “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly.” Authorities are still determining his exact motives.
Governor Walz urged caution, discouraging attendance at weekend protests. The Minnesota lawmakers attack has reignited concerns about political violence nationwide. President Trump, who faced two assassination attempts in 2024, called the shootings “horrific.” Other officials, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, labeled it an attack on democracy itself. As the manhunt continues, Minnesota remains on high alert. The tragedy underscores growing tensions in an already divided political climate.
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