Prosecutors: Shooter Plotted to Kill 4 Lawmakers, 2 Survived/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Prosecutors revealed that suspect Vance Boelter targeted four Minnesota legislators on June 14, successfully killing former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and critically injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. He visited two other lawmakers, but police intervention spared further victims.
Suspect Planned Multiple Attacks on Minnesota Lawmakers: Quick Looks
- Targeted homes of four state lawmakers – two killed, one injured, two unhurt
- Impersonated a police officer, used fake police vehicle with lights and uniform
- Largest manhunt in state history ensued, ended with peaceful capture
- SUV found with AK‑47s, handgun, target list of 70 public figures
- Prosecutors warn suspect researched victims, conducted surveillance and prepared notes
- Federal charges filed for murder and stalking; death penalty under review
- Motivation appears political, possibly rooted in anti‑abortion/evangelical beliefs
- One surviving lawmaker, Hoffman, shot nine times, is recovering
- Shooting dog killed; tolling social media tribute from Hortman’s children
- State and federal leaders urge calm amid rising political violence
Prosecutors: Shooter Plotted to Kill 4 Lawmakers, 2 Survived
Deep Look
Scope of Attack
Prosecutors confirmed Boelter visited two additional lawmakers’ homes after attacking the first pair, but both escaped harm—one was not home, and police arrived at the other before any shooting occurred
Police Impersonation
Boelter donned a police uniform and drove a fake SUV with lights, enabling him to gain trust and close proximity to victims before opening fire
Weapon Cache and Hit List
Law enforcement discovered AK‑47s, a 9 mm pistol, and writings listing about 70 targets—including politicians and abortion rights advocates—inside his SUV
Manhunt and Arrest
Over 20 SWAT teams and surveillance aircraft launched Minnesota’s largest manhunt. Boelter was found hiding in woods near his home and surrendered quietly without resistance
Victims’ Condition
Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed. Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot at their home; Hoffman was hit nine times and is in recovery
Family’s Mourning and Public Tribute
Hortman’s children were forced to put down their mother’s dog, Gilbert, injured in the attack. Public memorials and social media tributes followed, calling her “a powerhouse” in Minnesota politics
Motive Under Investigation
Prosecutors flagged Boelter’s target list and anti-abortion/evangelical statements, but emphasized political ideology remains under investigation. He researched victims extensively and planned meticulously
Federal Stalking and Murder Charges
Facing federal charges including murder and stalking, Boelter could face the death penalty. He also faces state charges, potentially upgraded to first-degree murder after grand jury review
Political Response
Governor Tim Walz and Senator Amy Klobuchar condemned the shootings as politically motivated violence. They and other leaders stressed this must not become the norm in public life
National Context
The incident echoes past attacks on public figures, including the attempted assassination of Nancy Pelosi’s husband and earlier politically charged violence, prompting national alarm
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