A former state appointee, disguised as a police officer, allegedly murdered former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounded a senator and spouse in early-morning attacks now being treated as politically motivated assassinations.
At a Glance
- Boelter targeted two Democratic lawmakers at their homes on June 14, killing Hortman and her husband and critically injuring Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.
- He impersonated law enforcement using a fake uniform and SUV to gain access.
- A 57-year-old manhunt followed—Minnesota’s largest—with 230 officers deployed.
- Charges include two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
- Authorities recovered a target list of ~70 Democrats and abortion-rights figures, suggesting extremist motives.
The Attack and Arrest
Authorities say Vance Boelter attacked around 2 a.m. in Champlin, shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Police then traced him to the Brooklyn Park home of former Speaker Melissa Hortman, where Boelter fatally shot her and her husband, Mark.
Boelter fled into rural Sibley County, prompting a statewide shelter-in-place order. He was caught by SWAT teams and drones roughly 36 hours later—calm and armed.
Watch a report: Timeline of Boelter’s Arrest and Manhunt.
Extremist Ties Under Investigation
Investigators found a “manifesto” and target list in Boelter’s fake police SUV, containing the names of about 70 political figures—mostly Democrats and pro-choice advocates. Though police currently believe he acted alone, they are exploring whether Boelter was part of a broader extremist network.
Governor Tim Walz has condemned the shootings as “an act of targeted political violence,” warning that America faces a surge in ideological domestic terror.
Charges, Court Proceedings, and Political Fallout
Boelter is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. Each murder charge carries up to 40 years in prison. Additional state or federal charges may follow.
He’s scheduled for a preliminary court appearance Monday. Lawmakers are now demanding renewed scrutiny of political violence, extremism, and the use of law enforcement imagery by private individuals.
Minnesota is reeling—but the legal and political aftermath may only just be beginning.
