The suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, has sparked a massive manhunt following a tragic and targeted attack on June 14, 2025. This horrifying incident claimed the lives of Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, while leaving State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, severely injured. Authorities describe the shootings as politically motivated, with Boelter allegedly impersonating a police officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. As the search for Boelter intensifies, this blog dives into the latest developments surrounding the suspect, his background, and the ongoing investigation shaking Minnesota.
The Suspect in Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting: Vance Luther Boelter
Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old man from Green Isle, Minnesota, stands at the center of this chilling case. Described as 6-foot-1 with brown hair and brown eyes, Boelter was last seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, a dark long-sleeve shirt or coat, light pants, and carrying a dark bag. Authorities warn that he is armed and dangerous, urging the public to avoid contact and report sightings immediately to 911. Boelter’s alleged disguise as a police officer, complete with a fake badge, tactical vest, and a vehicle resembling a police SUV with emergency lights, enabled him to deceive his victims and gain entry to their homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin.
Police recovered critical evidence from Boelter’s vehicle, including a manifesto and a list of nearly 70 names, targeting prominent Democratic lawmakers, abortion rights advocates, and abortion providers. This list included high-profile figures like Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, many of whom have been vocal about pro-choice policies. The discovery of “No Kings” flyers in the vehicle has raised concerns about a possible connection to planned protests against a Trump administration military parade, though authorities emphasize no direct link has been confirmed.
Timeline of the Tragic Shootings
The shootings unfolded in the early hours of June 14, 2025, in two Minneapolis suburbs. Around 2 a.m., police responded to a 911 call in Champlin, where they found State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, shot multiple times. Both underwent surgery and are recovering, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism about their survival. Yvette Hoffman heroically shielded her child during the attack, a testament to the chaos and bravery in those terrifying moments.
By 3:35 a.m., Brooklyn Park police proactively checked on Representative Melissa Hortman’s home due to her proximity to Hoffman and her status as a fellow Democratic lawmaker. There, they encountered Boelter exiting the residence. He opened fire on officers, who returned shots, but Boelter fled on foot, leaving behind his fake police vehicle. Inside Hortman’s home, police discovered both Melissa and Mark Hortman fatally shot. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed that Melissa died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, while Mark passed away at North Memorial Health hospital.
Boelter’s Background and Possible Motives
Investigators are piecing together details about the suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting to understand his motives. Boelter has ties to Minnesota politics, having been appointed to the state’s Workforce Development Board in 2016 by then-Governor Mark Dayton and again in 2019 by Governor Tim Walz. He served alongside Senator Hoffman, though authorities are still determining the extent of their acquaintance. Boelter’s professional history includes work with Praetorian Guard Security Services, where he claimed expertise in security patrols and training from U.S. military personnel. Online profiles also suggest connections to evangelical ministries and claims of experience in conflict zones like the Gaza Strip and Africa, though these remain under investigation.
The manifesto and hit list found in Boelter’s vehicle point to a focus on abortion rights supporters, particularly Democrats outspoken on reproductive rights. This has led authorities to classify the shootings as politically motivated, though they caution it’s too early to pinpoint an exact motive. The presence of “No Kings” flyers has fueled speculation about a link to protests against a Trump administration military parade, but officials stress this connection is not yet substantiated.
Law Enforcement’s Response and Public Safety Measures
The manhunt for Boelter is one of the largest in recent Minnesota history, involving the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals, and local law enforcement. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest and conviction, and he has been added to their most-wanted list. Authorities believe he may still be in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area but have alerted border patrol in case he attempts to flee to Canada. A shelter-in-place order in Brooklyn Park was lifted by Saturday afternoon, as police believe Boelter is no longer in the immediate area, but heightened security remains in place for other lawmakers named on his list.
| Key Details of the Manhunt | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Vance Luther Boelter, 57 |
| Last Seen | Minneapolis, June 14, 2025, morning |
| Appearance | 6’1”, 220 lbs, brown hair, cowboy hat, dark long-sleeve shirt |
| Status | Armed and dangerous, at large |
| Reward | $50,000 for information leading to arrest |
| Contact | Call 911 or 877-996-6222 with tips |
Governor Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center to manage the crisis, and Minnesota State Patrol canceled planned “No Kings” protests out of caution. Lawmakers across the state, particularly those named on Boelter’s list, are under protective custody as a precaution.
Political and Community Reactions
The shootings have sent shockwaves through Minnesota and beyond, with leaders across the political spectrum condemning the violence. Governor Walz called Hortman a “formidable public servant” and a close friend, ordering flags to fly at half-staff in her honor. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, who attended a Democratic dinner with Hortman and Hoffman hours before the attacks, expressed heartbreak over the loss. Former Representative Gabby Giffords, a survivor of a 2011 shooting, called the attack an assault on democracy itself.
President Donald Trump, briefed on the situation, described the shootings as a “terrible” targeted attack, vowing that the FBI and Attorney General Pam Bondi would pursue justice. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries echoed calls to reject political violence. Locally, a makeshift memorial of flowers and signs has blossomed outside the Minnesota State Capitol, honoring Hortman’s legacy as a champion of abortion rights, police reform, and progressive policies.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
As the search for the suspect in the Minnesota lawmaker shooting continues, authorities are exploring whether Boelter acted alone or had accomplices. The recovery of a ballistic vest, a latex mask, and AK-style firearms from his vehicle suggests a meticulously planned attack. Investigators are also analyzing Boelter’s online activity and past associations to uncover any networks or ideologies that may have influenced his actions. The FBI’s Minneapolis field office emphasized that no detail is too small, urging the public to come forward with information.
Minnesota’s political climate, already tense with a closely divided legislature, faces new challenges in the wake of this tragedy. Hortman’s death leaves the Minnesota House evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, potentially complicating legislative efforts. Meanwhile, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of other targeted individuals and apprehending Boelter before he can strike again.
The shootings of Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman are a stark reminder of the dangers facing public servants in a polarized era. As the manhunt for Vance Boelter continues, communities must stay vigilant and united against political violence. If you have any information about Boelter’s whereabouts, contact 911 or the FBI tip line at 877-996-6222 immediately. Stay informed by following trusted local news outlets and official law enforcement updates. Together, we can honor the victims by supporting justice and rejecting fear.