Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the prime suspect in a shooting incident that left State Representative Melissa Hortman dead and State Senator John Hoffman injured early Saturday. The search for Boelter is ongoing as law enforcement probes the circumstances surrounding the attack, which is believed to have been targeted.
Boelter’s connection to the victims, Hortman and Hoffman, remains unclear. “There’s certainly some overlap with some, you know, public meetings, I will say, with Sen. Hoffman and the individual,” an authority stated. A photo of Boelter, taken on the day of the shooting, has been released by police.
Reports indicate that Boelter had prepared a list targeting several Minnesota Democrats. Among those named were Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and State Attorney General Keith Ellison. This list, discovered in Boelter’s vehicle, also included both Hortman and Hoffman, both of whom are affiliated with the Democratic Party, with Hortman previously serving as Speaker of the Minnesota House.
Additionally, sources revealed that the suspect’s list included names of abortion providers and pro-choice activists, suggesting a politically motivated attack against those who have publicly supported pro-choice initiatives.
Security has been heightened for those named on the list, with Capitol Police working alongside federal and local partners to ensure their safety. Police began their investigation shortly after the shootings, which occurred just after 2 a.m. when Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times at their home in Champlin, Minnesota. Authorities remain hopeful about Hoffman’s recovery, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism during a news conference.
Officers responded proactively to check on Hortman after the shooting at Hoffman’s residence. Around 3:35 a.m., they encountered a man, later identified as Boelter, who was dressed as a police officer and exiting Hortman’s home. Following a brief exchange of gunfire, the suspect managed to flee the scene. Authorities found Hortman and her husband, Mark, fatally shot in their house.
Investigators noted that Boelter’s vehicle, which resembled a police cruiser and was equipped with lights, was parked in Hortman’s driveway. Governor Walz condemned the violence, stating, “We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint,” and reiterated the importance of civil debate in public discourse.
While a shelter-in-place order for Brooklyn Park has been lifted, local officials believe Boelter may have left the area. However, Walz advised residents against attending political rallies until the situation is resolved. Flyers proclaiming “No Kings” were also found in the suspect’s vehicle, connecting this incident to larger political protests occurring nationwide.
This story is still developing, and updates will be provided as they become available.