Manhunt underway for suspect in murder of Minnesota Democratic lawmakers

A major manhunt as of Sunday, June 15, 2025, continues in the United States for a man suspected of posing as a police officer before fatally shooting a Democratic state legislator in Minnesota, in what authorities have described as a “politically motivated assassination.”

Online media reports say the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, is also accused of wounding another Democratic lawmaker and his wife.

The search entered its second day on Sunday, following the deadly attack on former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark.

The couple was shot early Saturday at their home in Brooklyn Park, a suburb near Minneapolis.

Boelter is also alleged to have shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their residence in Champlin, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) away from the first scene.

After opening fire on responding officers at the Hortmans’ home, Boelter reportedly abandoned a vehicle designed to resemble a police SUV and escaped on foot.

Authorities later found what they described as a manifesto and a hit list targeting other political figures and institutions inside the vehicle.

Law enforcement officials have warned the public that Boelter is armed and dangerous and is likely still in the Minneapolis–St. Paul region.

Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters that it was too early to determine Boelter’s full motive.

However, the FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for any information that leads to his arrest and conviction.

Boelter, a former political appointee, once served on Minnesota’s workforce development board alongside Senator Hoffman.

It remains unclear how well they knew each other.

His online professional background portrays him as a security contractor with overseas experience in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, as well as managerial roles in various Minnesota-based companies.

A state official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, revealed that Boelter’s writings included threats against prominent pro-abortion rights lawmakers.

Additional reports from the Minnesota Star Tribune state that Boelter sent troubling text messages to friends just hours after the shootings.

In the messages, he wrote, “I’ve made some choices,” and added, “I’m going to be gone for a while.

“May be dead shortly… I wish it hadn’t gone this way… I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”

Melissa Hortman, a mother of two and a 20-year veteran of the Minnesota House, was honored by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as a public servant known for her “grace, compassion, and tirelessness.”

Walz, who served as Vice President Kamala Harris’s running mate during the previous presidential election, confirmed that Boelter attacked the Hoffmans first before traveling to the Hortmans’ home.

The governor emphasized the need for national unity against political violence.

“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Walz said.

He also ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Hortman’s memory.

Former President Donald Trump also responded, calling the attack “horrific” and stating, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.

“God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

These shootings occurred amid a rising trend of politically charged threats and attacks across the United States.

In April, Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and his family were forced to flee after a suspect attempted to set fire to their home during Passover.

The assailant reportedly planned to assault Shapiro with a sledgehammer.

In July 2024, Trump narrowly avoided serious injury when a bullet grazed his ear during a shooting that killed one of his supporters.

Just two months later, a man carrying a rifle was arrested near Trump’s Florida golf resort.

Other significant incidents include a 2022 assault on Paul Pelosi, husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and a foiled 2020 plot by anti-government extremists to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

In response to the Minnesota shootings, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has called on Capitol police to increase security for Minnesota’s Democratic U.S. Senators, Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith.

His request comes amid ongoing concerns about politically motivated violence.

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