A statewide manhunt is underway in Minnesota after State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were shot dead in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination.
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous, according to law enforcement. The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Boelter, reportedly a former political appointee and current security director, is accused of impersonating a police officer using a realistic uniform and latex mask to carry out a series of targeted attacks on public officials.
The incident unfolded around 2 AM, beginning with a shooting at the residence of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in Champlin. Both sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are currently in stable condition following surgery.
Shortly thereafter, police encountered the suspect outside the Hortman residence. A brief confrontation ensued, during which an officer was shot. Boelter escaped on foot. Melissa Hortman was found dead at the scene, while her husband succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
Governor Tim Walz described the incident as “a calculated act of political terror.” Bullet holes in the homes and evidence recovered from the suspect’s car and home, including AK-style rifles, anti-government pamphlets, and a manifesto targeting lawmakers who supported abortion rights, suggest clear political motives. As Speaker of the Minnesota House in 2023, Hortman played a pivotal role in expanding reproductive freedoms in the state.
President Donald Trump condemned the attack in a statement, saying: “This horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. The FBI and Attorney General Pam Bondi will ensure justice is served.”
The tragedy has sparked nationwide outrage and intensified discussions about the safety of public officials, political extremism, and the role of misinformation in inciting violence.
Authorities urge anyone with information on Boelter’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately.
