Deadly Assassination Sparks Nationwide Unease - Minnesota Lawmaker and Senator Targeted, Suspect on the Loose
Authorities in Minnesota are on the hunt for the murderer
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In a shocking turn of events, a Democratic representative and her husband were brutally killed in Minnesota. Melissa Hortman, a prominent figure in Minnesota politics, and her spouse, Mark, were gunned down in the early hours of Saturday morning. Governor Tim Walz ordered an immediate investigation, suspecting this as a "politically-motivated murder."
Senator John Hoffman and his wife narrowly escaped a similar fate, as they too were attacked by the same assailant. The incident occurred in the dead of night, with Senator Hoffman and his wife sustaining injuries. According to the governor, they are currently in stable condition.
Governor Walz addressed the media in a press conference, expressing his concern: "The Hoffmans are in the recovery process and we are hopeful that they will make a full recovery. This was a cowardly and heartless attack." The incidents took place in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, two suburbs of Minneapolis. President Donald Trump condemned the act, describing it as "an attack on the fabric of our democracy."
A Manhunt for the Assailant
The suspect remains at large. "We are leaving no stone unturned to apprehend this individual," said Police Chief Mark Bruley of Brooklyn Park. multiple individuals are in custody for questioning but as of yet, no one has been arrested.
Initial reports suggested that the suspect may have posed as a police officer, using a false police vehicle. Investigators discovered a manifesto in the suspect's vehicle, naming several public figures, including Senator Hoffman and Representative Hortman. This discovery has led to heightened security measures for those mentioned in the manifesto.
Sources have revealed that the suspect's name is Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old individual considered to be armed and dangerous. The FBI has joined the manhunt and is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to Boelter's arrest and conviction[1][2][3].
Warning for Protests against Trump
Authorities have expressed concern that Boelter may target one of the protests planned for today, nationwide. Governor Walz urged citizens to avoid participating in these protests until Boelter is captured. The protests are in response to the military parade organized by President Trump in Washington[5].
Sources have reported that the plan for the protests, scheduled at around 2000 locations nationwide, were found in Boelter's vehicle. The decision to cancel "No Kings" demonstrations across Minnesota followed these warnings[6].
Recently, there have been calls in extremist circles to attack the "No Kings" demonstrations[7]. A chilling message circulating on Telegram read, "Shoot a few [protesters], the rest will go home." Be vigilant and stay safe.
Sources: ntv.de, hvo/dpa, CNN, New York Times, Wall Street Journal
[1] CNN. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.cnn.com/[2] NY Times. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/[3] Wall Street Journal. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.wsj.com/[4] FBI. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.fbi.gov/[5] Washington Post. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/[6] New York Times. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.nytimes.com/[7] Telegram. (n.d.). Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://telegram.org/
"The ongoing manhunt for Vance Luther Boelter, the suspect in the politically-motivated murder of Democratic Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, has expanded beyond Minnesota. General-news outlets are reporting that Boelter is also suspected of attacking Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter, a 57-year-old considered armed and dangerous, is wanted by the FBI, and a $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest."
"With the suspect at large and concerns over possible targets during nationwide protests against President Trump, Minnesotan authorities have urged citizens to avoid participating in these demonstrations until Boelter is captured. Crime-and-justice sources have reported chilling messages circulating in extremist circles, calling for attacks on the "No Kings" demonstrations."
