Early Saturday morning, shockwaves rippled across Minnesota as authorities launched a massive manhunt for the suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. The attack, described by Governor Tim Walz as an act of targeted political violence, left State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were seriously wounded but expected to survive. The suspect—identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter—remains at large, with law enforcement warning that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
This tragic event unfolded in the early hours of June 15, 2025, at the homes of the two lawmakers, both prominent Democrats representing the northwest Twin Cities area. Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer, gaining access to the victims’ residences before opening fire. The killings have sparked outrage and concern across the state, highlighting the rising threat of politically motivated violence.
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Details of the Attack and the Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting
The suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting, Vance Boelter, is a 57-year-old man with a documented history of public service, having served multiple times on the state’s Workforce Development Board alongside one of the victims, Senator John Hoffman. While authorities are still piecing together the exact relationship between Boelter and the targeted lawmakers, records show both attended the same public meetings and collaborated on policy discussions in recent years.
Boelter was last seen in Minneapolis wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark long-sleeve shirt, light pants, and carrying a dark bag. He is described as standing 6-foot-1, weighing around 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Police believe he may have been wearing a realistic latex mask to conceal his identity during the attacks, further complicating efforts to track him down.
The shootings occurred within hours of each other. Police were first called to Hoffman’s home in Champlin around 2 a.m., where the senator and his wife were shot multiple times. As investigators arrived on the scene, another team was dispatched to Brooklyn Park, about nine miles away, where they encountered Boelter leaving Hortman’s home at approximately 3:35 a.m. A brief gunfire exchange ensued, but the suspect managed to escape on foot.
Investigation and Community Response
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, are leading the investigation into the suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Authorities have detained and questioned several individuals but have not made any arrests as of this writing. Police have also revealed that a target list was recovered from Boelter’s vehicle, naming dozens of prominent Minnesota Democrats—including Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and State Attorney General Keith Ellison.
The discovery of this list has heightened security concerns among public officials and underscored the urgent need to apprehend the suspect. Governor Walz, in a heartfelt statement, mourned the loss of Hortman and her husband, calling her a “formidable public servant” and a “fixture and a giant in Minnesota.” He emphasized that peaceful discourse is the foundation of democracy and condemned the use of violence to settle political differences.
Community leaders across the state have echoed Walz’s sentiments, calling for unity and vigilance in the face of escalating political tensions. Law enforcement has urged residents to remain alert and report any sightings of Boelter, stressing that he should not be approached.
The Broader Context: Political Violence in America
The suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting is part of a disturbing trend of politically motivated violence in the United States. Recent years have seen high-profile incidents, including the 2024 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. These events have prompted renewed debate about the safety of public officials and the increasing polarization of American politics.
In Minnesota, the shootings have sparked calls for increased security measures for lawmakers and their families. State officials are also considering legislative action to address threats against public servants, but for now, the focus remains on finding the suspect and preventing further violence.
What You Need to Know
- Suspect: Vance Boelter, 57, 6’1”, 220 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes
- Last Seen: Minneapolis, wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark shirt, light pants, dark bag
- Status: Armed and dangerous—do not approach, call 911
- Victims: State Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband (deceased); State Sen. John Hoffman and wife (injured, expected to survive)
- Motive: Politically motivated, target list recovered from suspect’s vehicle
- Security: Heightened for Minnesota Democrats and public officials
Stay informed about the latest developments in the search for the suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting. Share information responsibly and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. Together, we can help keep our communities safe and uphold the values of democracy.