Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Political Attack, One Killed \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A man posing as a police officer fatally shot Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman in a politically charged attack. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a second targeted shooting. Authorities believe the attack was tied to anti-government sentiment and are searching for the suspect.
Quick Looks
- Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at home.
- Senator John Hoffman and wife Yvette were shot and injured at a separate location.
- Suspect Vance Boelter, 57, is accused of targeting Democratic lawmakers in Minneapolis suburbs.
- Authorities describe the shootings as a “politically motivated assassination.”
- Police say Boelter posed as law enforcement and is still at large, armed and dangerous.
- “No Kings” protest materials were found in the suspect’s car; rallies were canceled statewide.
- President Trump condemned the violence and confirmed FBI involvement in the case.
- Multiple attacks against political figures have occurred in recent years, raising security alarms nationwide.
Deep Look
A high-profile political assassination has rocked Minnesota and the nation after a suspect impersonating a police officer fatally shot former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and seriously injured another lawmaker and his spouse in separate attacks early Saturday morning. The incidents have prompted a massive manhunt and a renewed debate over the escalating threats against public officials amid increasing political extremism.
Authorities say 57-year-old Vance Boelter targeted Hortman and State Senator John Hoffman in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis in what Governor Tim Walz described as a “politically motivated assassination.” The violence has been linked to the anti-government “No Kings” movement. Materials from the movement were found in the suspect’s vehicle alongside writings referencing multiple lawmakers.
Hortman, 55, and her husband, Mark, were discovered dead at their Brooklyn Park residence. Hours earlier, Champlin police responded to a shooting at the Hoffmans’ home and found the senator and his wife, Yvette, wounded with multiple gunshot injuries. Both are expected to survive.
The timeline of events indicates that the suspect struck Hoffman’s home first around 2 a.m., then drove to the Hortman residence where he confronted police while dressed as a law enforcement officer. Police opened fire after Boelter shot at them and retreated into the home. Authorities say he escaped before reinforcements could arrive.
Minnesota State Patrol issued an emergency alert warning that Boelter remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. The suspect is described as a white male, wearing body armor, and may be posing as a law enforcement official.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers are involved in the ongoing search. Tactical teams have sealed off parts of Brooklyn Park and Champlin, and checkpoints have been set up. Residents have been asked to shelter in place.
“This is wrong. Someone is targeting our representatives. I hope they catch him,” said Douglas Thompson, a resident of Brooklyn Park.
The shootings prompted immediate cancellation of all planned “No Kings” demonstrations scheduled across the state for Saturday. Though authorities say they had no intelligence of imminent attacks at the protests, the presence of anti-government literature in Boelter’s possession was enough to raise concerns. The “No Kings” movement, known for its opposition to centralized political power, has been increasingly tied to far-right rhetoric.
Hortman had been a powerful figure in Minnesota politics, leading the Democratic-controlled House since 2017 and recently holding the title of speaker emerita. Governor Walz praised her as a “formidable public servant” and “a giant in Minnesota,” highlighting her central role in negotiations and legislative leadership.
Hoffman, 60, served as chair of the Senate Human Services Committee and was recognized for his bipartisan work on mental health and disability services. Both victims had deep legislative experience and were known for their community engagement.
The White House issued a statement from President Donald Trump, who confirmed that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI would lead the investigation. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” Trump said. “God bless the great people of Minnesota.”
Lawmakers from both parties expressed grief and outrage. House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, called the attack “evil” and urged Minnesotans to pray for the victims and the officers involved in the manhunt.
The shootings are part of a troubling pattern of violence against U.S. political figures. In just the past year, high-profile attacks have included a fire set at the home of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, an attempted assassination of President Trump, and a man with a rifle caught near Trump’s Florida golf club. Previous incidents also include the 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi and a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has requested Capitol Police to increase protection for Minnesota senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, while urging a full Senate briefing on member safety. “We must confront the toxic forces radicalizing individuals,” Schumer said, warning that political violence poses a serious threat to democracy.
As the search for Boelter continues, the nation mourns the loss of another public servant while bracing for further fallout in a deeply polarized political climate.
Minnesota Lawmakers
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