Minneapolis: On Saturday, two state lawmakers from Minnesota were targeted in a shooting attack at their homes, resulting in the death of one politician and serious injuries to another. Governor Tim Walz described the incident as a “politically motivated assassination” attempt. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, was apprehended in rural woodland following a day-long manhunt and has been charged with multiple counts of murder at both the state and federal levels.
According to BBC, state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their home. Melissa Hortman had been a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for two decades and served as the chamber’s speaker from 2019 to 2025. Her tenure was marked by significant legislative actions, including the expansion of abortion rights and the legalization of recreational marijuana. Hortman was also known for her bipartisan efforts, having recently supported a bill provision affecting the state’s undocumented population.
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also victims of the attack, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds but surviving. During the incident, Yvette Hoffman shielded their adult daughter, Hope Hoffman, from the bullets. Hope Hoffman later called authorities, leading to the timely medical intervention that saved her parents’ lives. The Hoffmans expressed their gratitude for surviving and mourned the loss of their colleagues, the Hortmans.
Law enforcement confirmed that the attacks occurred in the early morning hours in the cities of Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, impersonated a police officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. Between the attacks, Boelter allegedly targeted two other state lawmakers, though they were not harmed. One of these lawmakers, state senator Ann Rest, credited local police for their swift response, which she believes saved her life.
The political community has widely condemned the attacks. President Donald Trump stated that such violence would not be tolerated, while US Senator Amy Klobuchar described it as an attack on democratic values. Investigators found a list of 70 potential targets in Boelter’s possession, including prominent Minnesota politicians and locations associated with Planned Parenthood.
Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old security contractor and religious missionary, has a background that includes work in Africa and the Middle East. Despite a clean criminal record in Minnesota, Boelter sent a troubling message to friends before the attacks, suggesting an awareness of the potential consequences of his actions.
The suspect was apprehended without incident after an extensive manhunt, which police described as the “largest in the state’s history.” Authorities have charged Boelter with multiple crimes, including federal charges that could lead to the death penalty and state charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder. Governor Walz urged for civility and called for unity in the wake of the incident. Boelter’s next court appearance is scheduled for later this month.