A significant search operation is underway for a man suspected in the tragic shootings of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as a separate attack on another state lawmaker and his spouse. Authorities have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, and the manhunt entered its second day following the dual attacks that occurred on Saturday in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Law enforcement sources revealed that investigators discovered a target list in Boelter's vehicle, which includes prominent Minnesota Democrats such as Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, and state Attorney General Keith Ellison. The FBI is actively involved in the investigation and is offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to Boelter's arrest.
Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension issued a warning to the public, stating, "If you locate him or see him, please call 911. Do not approach him. He should be considered armed and dangerous." This advisory highlights the urgency and seriousness of the situation as the manhunt continues.
Authorities have identified a “vehicle of interest” in Sibley County, located outside Minneapolis, which is believed to be connected to Boelter. Along with the vehicle, law enforcement found “personal items” thought to belong to the suspect. Multiple teams of law enforcement officials are currently combing the area in search of Boelter.
In a related development, Boelter's wife was stopped for questioning during a traffic stop near Onamia late Saturday morning. While she was released without being arrested, the circumstances surrounding the stop remain unclear.
Boelter is accused of entering the lawmakers' homes under the guise of a police officer. He reportedly arrived at the victims' residence in a vehicle designed to resemble a police cruiser, complete with flashing emergency lights. The first shooting incident took place around 2 a.m. on Saturday at the home of Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who were both shot multiple times.
Shortly after the attack on the Hoffmans, state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park. Authorities believe Boelter opened fire while wearing a latex mask.
Following the shooting at the Hoffman residence, police were dispatched to check on Hortman’s well-being. When officers arrived at her home around 3:35 a.m., they encountered Boelter, leading to an exchange of gunfire. The suspect managed to flee on foot, abandoning his fake police vehicle, which later became a critical piece of evidence as investigators found his target list inside.
According to sources close to the situation, both John and Yvette Hoffman are currently recovering. Yvette is reported to be conscious and “doing relatively well,” while John is alert and recovering from a collapsed lung after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. “Everybody is cautiously optimistic,” stated a source familiar with the couple's condition.
Vance Boelter, a husband and father, has a background in security and military training, as detailed in an online biography. He previously led the private security firm Praetorian Guard Security Services, which operates in the Twin Cities area. This information raises concerns about his potential capabilities and intentions.
This is an evolving story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For those following the situation closely, please stay tuned for further developments.
