Minnesota is shaken after a chilling attack left one lawmaker dead and another gravely wounded in what authorities are calling a political assassination. Now, they have zeroed in on a suspect.
Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the Minnesota House, and her husband Mark were gunned down early Saturday at their Brooklyn Park home. Just over an hour earlier, Senator John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times in Champlin.
The suspected gunman is 57-year-old Vance Boelter, a former state appointee who reportedly posed as a police officer. He wore an armored vest, had a taser, and drove a vehicle rigged with flashing lights to impersonate law enforcement. Police believe Boelter targeted both lawmakers and fired on responding officers before escaping.
Gov. Tim Walz called it a “politically motivated assassination,” adding, “She was irreplaceable and will be missed by so many.”
Both Hortman and her husband were shot multiple times. Senator Hoffman and his wife remain hospitalized after surgery. All state legislators are now under protective custody.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest and conviction. He is described as 6’1”, 220 lbs., with brown hair and eyes, possibly wearing a cowboy hat and dark clothing. Anyone with tips should call 877-996-6222.
Authorities from the FBI, ATF, and local agencies continue their search. Brooklyn Park has lifted its shelter-in-place order, but the manhunt is far from over.
