A wave of political violence has shaken Minnesota as law enforcement agencies intensify the search for Vance Luther Boelter — a former appointee under Governor Tim Walz — who is the prime suspect in two brutal shootings that left one state lawmaker dead and another gravely injured.
The attacks unfolded in the early hours of Saturday. The first occurred at 2 a.m. in Champlin, where Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot inside their home. Both survived but were critically injured. Roughly two hours later, in nearby Brooklyn Park, Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were gunned down in what investigators described as a calculated execution. Hortman, a former House speaker, died at the scene alongside her husband.
Boelter allegedly posed as a police officer, wearing tactical gear and a fake rubber mask to disguise his identity. Authorities say he opened fire without warning and fled the scene after engaging in a shootout with officers. Police later discovered his vehicle abandoned nearby, containing disturbing evidence — including a manifesto, a list of nearly 70 political targets, and flyers marked with the phrase “No Kings,” a slogan tied to recent anti-government protests.
Among those named on Boelter’s hit list were Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and multiple abortion-care providers. Investigators say the attacks appear to be ideologically motivated and intended to terrorize public officials.
Boelter’s background reveals a troubling mix of political connections and militant undertones. Once a Republican, he later registered as unaffiliated. He previously led a religious nonprofit with overseas operations and founded a private security company. His appointment to the state’s Workforce Development Board began under former Governor Mark Dayton and continued under Walz, raising political questions — though no evidence currently suggests the governor had any knowledge of Boelter’s violent intentions.
Governor Walz addressed the state following the shootings, calling the acts “domestic terrorism” and urging citizens to remain vigilant. He activated the State Emergency Operations Center and implemented a temporary shelter-in-place order in parts of the Twin Cities metro. Walz emphasized the importance of defending democracy from violent extremism and rejected any attempts to politicize the tragedy.
A manhunt remains ongoing as Boelter is considered armed, dangerous, and possibly suicidal. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture. Meanwhile, state officials across the country are reviewing security protocols, as this attack has reignited concerns about rising political violence in the U.S.
As Minnesota mourns, many are asking how a once-trusted public appointee became the face of a chilling assault on democracy.
