Minnesota Lawmakers Shot in Political Attack, Suspect Sought
Two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota were shot in a politically motivated attack early Saturday morning, leaving one dead and another seriously injured. The suspect, who posed as a police officer, remains at large, triggering a statewide manhunt.
State Representative Melissa Hortman, the former Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park around 3:30 a.m. The assailant, dressed in a police uniform and driving a vehicle outfitted with flashing lights, knocked on their door under the pretense of official business before opening fire.
Shortly afterwards, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were targeted at their home in nearby Champlin. Both were shot but survived and are recovering after emergency surgeries. Authorities believe the attacks were connected and carried out by the same individual.
Investigators later identified the suspect as Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old Minnesota resident. Police say Boelter left behind a manifesto detailing his anti-government views and a list of political figures he intended to target. His writings reportedly reveal deep-seated hostility toward what he described as a “corrupt and elitist regime.”
Governor Tim Walz called the shootings a “cowardly and calculated act of domestic terrorism,” adding, “This is an attack on democracy itself.” The FBI and U.S. Marshals are assisting local law enforcement in the search for Boelter, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
The shootings have rocked Minnesota’s political community and prompted the cancellation of all planned “No Kings” demonstrations across the state. Shelter-in-place orders were temporarily issued for several neighborhoods during the early stages of the investigation.
President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing condolences and vowed that federal authorities would “bring the perpetrator to justice and protect our elected officials from extremist violence.”
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Boelter’s whereabouts to contact the FBI immediately. Officials are also increasing security for other Minnesota lawmakers in light of the recovered target list.
Lawmakers are calling for greater protections for public officials and a national conversation on political extremism and violence. A vigil for Representative Hortman and her husband is scheduled for Sunday evening.
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