A statewide manhunt for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, the man suspected of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and seriously injuring State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, entered its second day Sunday as law enforcement agencies intensified their search.
Boelter, who authorities say posed as a police officer during the attacks, remains at large.
What We Know So Far
Authorities say the attacks began early Saturday morning, June 14. Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home. Hours later, just eight miles away, Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot in their Champlin home. Both were hospitalized and are now in stable condition following surgery.
Police believe the shootings were politically motivated.
Manhunt Intensifies
Federal and state agencies, including the FBI and Border Patrol, are actively pursuing Boelter, who is believed to still be in the Midwest. Authorities are treating him as armed and extremely dangerous.
Law enforcement confirmed that Boelter used a vehicle that resembled a squad car and wore gear consistent with law enforcement, including a badge and tactical vest. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said, “No question that if [Boelter] were in this room, you would assume that they are a police officer.”
Family Members Detained
Boelter’s wife and three relatives were detained during a traffic stop Saturday in Onamia, about 75 miles north of the crime scenes. Eyewitnesses say the vehicle contained firearms, ammunition, large sums of cash, and passports. As of Sunday evening, no charges had been filed.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the detained individuals are believed to have directly aided Boelter.
Message Sent Before Shootings
According to the Star Tribune, Boelter sent a chilling text message to his roommates just before the attacks, saying:
“I may be dead shortly... I love you guys... I wish it hadn’t gone this way.”
He told them they were not involved and expressed regret over his actions.
Possible Motives Emerging
A manifesto found in Boelter’s vehicle has added fuel to speculation that these shootings were politically motivated. The document reportedly included a hit list of over 50 individuals — many affiliated with abortion rights and progressive causes — including Minnesota Democrats Ilhan Omar and Tina Smith.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, speaking on Meet the Press, said the manifesto revealed “a through line with abortion” and warned of rising politically charged violence.
Boelter had also been involved in Saturday's planned “No Kings” protests opposing the Trump administration, although it’s unclear whether his involvement was symbolic or logistical.
A Complicated Background
Boelter previously served on Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board from 2016 to 2023, working alongside Hoffman. He also co-owned a private security firm with his wife and has claimed to provide security services globally. However, investigators are still verifying details of his international work history.
His social media presence was sparse, though past sermons reveal socially conservative religious views. He had no known criminal history.
Political and Public Reaction
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the attacks as a “politically motivated assassination.” In a joint statement, the Minnesota congressional delegation said, “There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence.”
Former President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, calling the shootings a “targeted attack against State Lawmakers” and vowing that those responsible will be prosecuted.
Public Safety and Reward
Authorities are urging the public not to approach Boelter if spotted. The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for any information leading to his arrest and conviction.
Anyone with tips is encouraged to call the FBI’s Minneapolis office or submit information online at fbi.gov/tips.
Key Details at a Glance:
Suspect: Vance Boelter, 57, considered armed and dangerous
Deceased: Former Rep. Melissa Hortman and husband, Mark
Injured: State Sen. John Hoffman and wife, Yvette (both stable)
Reward: $50,000 from FBI for tips leading to arrest
Vehicle: Dark SUV resembling a police cruiser, outfitted with emergency lights
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