A politically motivated attack on two Minnesota lawmakers turned deadly, leading to one fatality and one serious injury. The suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, has been arrested following a massive manhunt. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and raised concerns over political violence.
Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Deadly Shooting: A Shocking Attempt on Democracy
Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Deadly Shooting: A Shocking Attempt on Democracy
Two Minnesota politicians faced a violent attack in their homes, raising alarms about political safety in the U.S.
On Saturday, two state lawmakers in Minnesota were violently attacked in their homes, an event that Governor Tim Walz has described as a "politically motivated assassination" attempt. The tragic incident resulted in the death of one politician, while the other sustained severe injuries.
The primary suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, was apprehended after a significant manhunt—the largest in Minnesota's history, according to police statements. He was found hiding in the woods near Green Isle, Sibley County, on Sunday night following extensive collaboration among multiple law enforcement agencies.
The attacks were met with anger from leaders across the political landscape. President Donald Trump condemned the violence, asserting that "such horrific violence will not be tolerated." U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, characterized the assault as an affront to democratic values.
The victims were State Representative Melissa Hortman, who was shot and killed alongside her husband, Mark, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who survived multiple injuries after undergoing surgery. Both lawmakers had long histories of public service, with Hortman having served 20 years in the Minnesota House and held the position of speaker from 2019 to 2025.
Law enforcement confirmed that the attacks occurred early Saturday morning in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota. Reports indicate that a call was made to the police around 2 AM regarding an incident at Hoffman's residence, followed by another call just over an hour later concerning Hortman's home. Officers encountered a person who appeared to be a police officer, equipped with emergency gear, who opened fire on them before fleeing into the house and escaping on foot.
Authorities identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, a former political appointee and security contractor. A troubling discovery was made during the investigation: a list containing 70 names of potential targets, which notably included Democratic state politicians, Governor Tim Walz, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and locations associated with Planned Parenthood.
Evans stated that investigators had yet to ascertain a motive but noted Boelter’s background as a missionary and his infrequent criminal record comprised merely of traffic violations. Prior to the incident, he sent a concerning message to roommates about his impending absence, expressing love and regret over the turns his life had taken.
Boelter's arrest on Sunday was characterized as peaceful, with authorities indicating he had been armed at the time but did not disclose specific details about the weapons. In light of the attacks, law enforcement emphasized the betrayal associated with Boelter's impersonation of a police officer and urged a collective reexamination of civility and discourse within political interactions. Governor Walz echoed these sentiments, pleading for unity amidst the turmoil, asserting, "This cannot be the norm."
