Legislator murdered, fellow legislator injured in alleged politically motivated assaults in Minnesota.
In the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, authorities launched a massive manhunt for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, a suspect believed to be responsible for a series of shocking attacks that unfolded on a chilly Saturday morning.
Authorities say Boelter, wearing a tan cowboy hat and posing as a police officer, fatally shot Democratic state House Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home. Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were shot and wounded at their Champlin residence, about nine miles away.
In an afternoon news conference, Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, identified Boelter as the primary suspect and urged the public to report any sightings. A photo of Boelter with his cowboy hat was released, and Evans reported that investigators have obtained video footage to aid in the search.
Boelter served on the same state workforce development board as Sen. Hoffman, though it's unclear to what extent, if any, they were acquainted. Boelter's former appointments suggest a background in international security, including visits to conflict zones and ties to private security firms.
The early-morning attacks on these lawmakers, who happen to support abortion rights, have been labeled as politically motivated by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. In response, elected officials around the state have been warned to be vigilant. Several planned "No Kings" demonstrations against President Trump were also canceled due to concerns for public safety.
Authorities have recovered several AK-style firearms from Boelter's vehicle, and he is believed to still be armed with a pistol. The police response has been extensive, with hundreds of officers and deputies from various agencies descending on the region, seeking to apprehend Boelter before he strikes again. Some roadblocks have been set up for traffic checks, and residents have been asked to shelter in place.
In the meantime, nearby residents like 62-year-old Douglas Thompson express their outrage and concern, recognizing the gravity of the situation. "This is wrong," Thompson said. "I'm hoping they'll catch him."
As the search for Boelter continues, fingers are being pointed at the escalating political tensions that may have contributed to the violence. This incident is just one in a growing list of targeted attacks against lawmakers in recent years. The political landscape appears to be increasingly volatile, and calls for accountability and a de-escalation of the rhetoric are becoming louder.
Reports from the crime scenes indicate that bullet holes remain in the homes of the victims. Governor Walz has called the attack an "assassination," and those responsible will be held accountable, he vowed. The FBI has joined the investigation, and tensions remain high as authorities scour the area for Vance Boelter. His identity, background, and motives have all sparked intense interest and concern, not only in the region but nationwide.
- In the wake of the tragic events, Governor Tim Walz labeled the attacks as politically motivated, suggesting a potential connection to the ongoing political landscape.
- Amidst the search for Vance Boelter, fingers are being pointed at the escalating political tensions that may have contributed to the violence, with calls for accountability and a de-escalation of rhetoric becoming louder.
- Douglas Thompson, a nearby resident, expressed his outrage and concern, recognizing the gravity of the situation and hoping for the swift apprehension of Vance Boelter.
- As the general-news story unfolds, business operations in the affected areas may be impacted, while crime-and-justice discussions in politics and government circles will likely intensify as investigations continue.
