Minnesota Political Shooting shook the state on June 14 when a masked gunman disguised as a police officer shot and killed state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. The attacker also wounded Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a separate shooting hours later. Authorities say the shootings were politically motivated.
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, remains at large. Police reported he used a vehicle that looked exactly like a squad car, complete with emergency lights. He wore a police-style vest, badge, and carried equipment designed to imitate law enforcement.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the killings as an “unspeakable tragedy” and a politically motivated assassination. “Our state lost a great leader, and I lost a dear friend,” he said.
The first attack happened at the Hortman family home in Brooklyn Park. The second occurred about nine miles away at the Champlin residence of Senator Hoffman and his wife. Investigators confirmed Boelter had a target list with the names of many Minnesota Democrats.
Boelter has a background in private security and military training and leads Praetorian Guard Security Services. At the time of the shootings, he wore a highly realistic latex mask to conceal his identity.
Drew Evans from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension confirmed the suspect’s list included all targeted individuals. Though the motive remains under investigation, Boelter served on a workforce development board with Senator Hoffman.
The search for Boelter continues, and residents are urged to report any information to authorities.
