A suspect in custody has been charged with murder after a series of targeted shootings that resulted in the death of one Minnesota lawmaker and left another injured. During a news conference on Saturday, Gov. Tim Walz labeled the shootings as “politically motivated.”
State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, John, were shot and killed at their residence in Brooklyn Park, according to Walz. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also injured at their home in Champlin, a Minneapolis suburb. Authorities reported that the shooter was disguised in police gear.
The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, was taken into custody Sunday night after a manhunt lasting two days. Law enforcement stated he was discovered hiding in the woods near his residence in Green Isle, located in Sibley County. He faces charges of first-degree murder for the Hortman killings and attempted murder for the shooting of the Hoffmans.
Records indicate Boelter served on a state board with Hoffman for over six years. Investigators are examining whether he had a personal connection to either Hoffman or Hortman. Officials reported that Boelter’s vehicle was located on Sunday, CBS Minnesota stated.
Here’s an overview of the targeted shootings that occurred.
What transpired at the lawmakers’ residences?
Police first responded to a report of a shooting at Hoffman’s residence in Champlin at approximately 2 a.m. local time on Saturday, Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, explained during the briefing. Emergency care was provided to Hoffman and his wife, and they were transported to a nearby hospital for surgery to address gunshot injuries, Evans stated.
Sen. Hoffman sustained nine bullet wounds, while eight hit his wife, Yvette. In a message to Sen. Amy Klobuchar on Sunday, Yvette remarked that they were both “lucky to be alive.”
“Our family is truly grateful for the support we’ve received. John is undergoing numerous surgeries and is improving by the hour,” she stated. “We are heartbroken over the deaths of Melissa and Mark. We are speechless. Political hatred has no place in our society.”
Upon learning of the shooting at the Hoffman residence, police from Brooklyn Park went to check on Hortman’s home, Police Chief Mark Bruley mentioned. The homes are located about five miles apart.
Two officers saw a vehicle that resembled a police car parked outside Hortman’s home with its emergency lights activated, and a person dressed as a police officer was seen exiting the premises, Bruley mentioned. The suspect appeared to be equipped with a vest, Taser, and badge, and seemed to have knocked on the door.
When the Brooklyn Park officers confronted the individual, he “immediately” opened fire, exchanging shots with the officers, according to Bruley. The individual then retreated into the home. After entering, officers discovered that Hortman’s husband had been shot and attempted first aid, but he was declared dead. A drone was subsequently used to search the residence and found Hortman deceased inside.
Bruley stated the shooter was “clearly” impersonating a police officer, using the authority of a badge and uniform to gain access to the home. Doorbell camera footage from the scene depicted the suspect wearing a mask.
A search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed documents listing other lawmakers and officials, according to Bruley. Evans indicated that both Hoffman and Hortman were mentioned on the list but did not provide further details. Authorities also found a collection of “No Kings” flyers in the vehicle, which related to the anti-Trump protests held in cities across the nation on Saturday. Following the shootings, several planned statewide “No Kings” events in Minnesota were canceled. Law enforcement expressed concerns that the suspect might have been targeting the protests, leading the Minnesota State Patrol to advise potential attendees to avoid these events for safety reasons.
Vance L. Boelter in custody
Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspected shooter. He was apprehended near his home in Green Isle, Sibley County, on Sunday night, sources told CBS News. A collaborative effort from multiple local law enforcement agencies, along with state and federal authorities, was involved in the nearly 43-hour manhunt.
Investigators were searching the area after Boelter’s vehicle was found. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley noted that one officer thought they spotted Boelter fleeing into the woods, prompting the establishment of a large perimeter.
Subsequent information revealed that Boelter had been spotted in the woods, prompting the deployment of multiple SWAT teams, as reported by Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans and Bruley. When law enforcement closed in on Boelter, he “crawled toward the police,” according to Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger from the Minnesota State Patrol.
Although Boelter was armed at that time, he was apprehended without any force used, Geiger noted.
Authorities stated that this manhunt was the largest in Minnesota’s history.
Earlier that day, an emergency alert notified residents in Sibley County that a vehicle belonging to the suspect was discovered in Faxon Township, about 20 miles away, as per CBS Minnesota. While Boelter’s official address is in Green Isle, Sibley County, police sources indicated he had most recently been living in north Minneapolis.
On the Praetorian Guard Security Services website, Boelter is noted as the director of security patrols, and his wife holds the position of president and CEO. However, his roommate informed CBS News that, despite Boelter’s ambition of starting his own security firm, he had not actually done so.
“It appears he purchased two vehicles for the security business, but he lacked clients, employees, or any actual operations,” the roommate mentioned to CBS News. “He wasn’t providing security services to anyone.”
A now-defunct profile on Minnesota Africans United referred to him as the CEO of that organization.
In a LinkedIn update last month, Boelter expressed a desire to return to the U.S. food industry after spending three years on projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has been listed as the chief executive of a company since 2021. He also mentioned in an undated online video that he took a job at Minnesota funeral homes to help with expenses while working on Congo projects.
Reports indicated that a vehicle associated with Boelter contained an extensive list of potential targets, with over 50 names, including officials from beyond Minnesota, abortion rights advocates, and facilities.
Suspect’s association with Minn. state board
Records obtained by CBS News revealed that Boelter served alongside Hoffman on a state board in Minnesota.
Initially appointed to the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2016 by then-Gov. Mark Dayton, Boelter was a private-sector representative with a term that extended through 2019. He was reappointed by Gov. Walz that same year and held the position until January 2023.
During both of Boelter’s terms, Hoffman served on the 60-member board. The governor appoints 41 members, while legislative leaders select two state senators and two representatives.
The board advises both the governor and the legislature on policies designed to enhance Minnesota’s workforce and competitive edge, as stated on its website.
In relation to circulating rumors about Boelter’s political stance, his roommate told CBS News, “He is not a Democrat. He’d be upset if you called him one,” emphasizing that Boelter supported Trump and was pleased with Trump’s victory in the 2024 election.
At a news conference on Saturday, authorities confirmed they were looking into whether Boelter had any connections with Hoffman or Hortman. Evans indicated there was “certainly some overlap with some public meetings” involving Hoffman and Boelter, but the specifics of their relationship remained unclear.
On the day of the 2018 midterm elections, Boelter shared a post on LinkedIn emphasizing the value of voting and being involved in the democratic process.
“I strongly encourage people to engage in the process, vote in line with your values, and take part in this journey that we all share as Americans,” he stated.
About Rep. Melissa Hortman
Hortman, 55, was a representative for Minnesota House District 34B and held the position of top Democratic leader in the state Legislature, previously serving as House speaker. A lawyer, she had first won office in 2004. Her husband, John, and she have two children, according to The Associated Press.
Gov. Walz referred to Hortman’s and her husband’s deaths as “a political assassination.” He later expressed that Minnesota had lost a “great leader” and a personal friend.
“A committed public servant, Melissa Hortman dedicated each day to improving our state. Her service was marked by grace, compassion, and tireless effort,” Walz stated.
DNC Chair Ken Martin, who led the Minnesota Democratic Party for 14 years, described Hortman as a “close friend” whom he has known since he began his political journey.
“I often said in my introductions at events: she is the best Speaker of the House Minnesota has ever seen,” Martin remarked.
Prior to HortMAN’s death, the Minnesota House was evenly split at 67 members from each party. The Senate held a one-seat majority for Democrats.
About State Sen. John Hoffman
Hoffman, 60, is a Democrat representing Minnesota Senate District 34, which covers a section of the northwest Twin Cities suburbs. He first won election in 2012 and has been re-elected three times.
He has chaired the Human Services Committee and served on committees focusing on energy, environment, and health and human services, according to CBS Minnesota.
Walz reported that both he and his wife Yvette sustained multiple gunshot wounds. They are recovering after surgery, and Walz mentioned that his “thoughts are with” the couple.
On Sunday, Sen. Amy Klobuchar shared a…
A text message from Yvette Hoffman stated, “Our family is genuinely touched by the love and support from everyone.”
“John is undergoing multiple surgeries and is getting closer to recovery every hour,” she continued. “…We are incredibly fortunate to be alive. We are heartbroken over the loss of Melissa and Mark. Words cannot express our feelings. Political hatred has no place here.”
John Hoffman came out of his last surgery and is “making progress towards recovery,” according to Walz on Sunday night.
The Hoffmans have a daughter. Their nephew mentioned that Yvette Hoffman protected their daughter, Hope, by covering her to shield her from the gunfire.
Leaders condemn political violence
Governor Walz remarked that Americans “do not resolve conflicts through violence or with firearms,” highlighting that the shootings occurred after a special session where both parties collaborated for Minnesota’s benefit.
“Just last week, in Minnesota’s closely divided legislature, we came together, shook hands, and reached common ground for the state,” Walz said. “Even in politically tense times, it is possible to find compromise, democracy, and respectful dialogue. I, along with all of Minnesota and the nation, stand firmly against any form of political violence.”
Walz also expressed gratitude toward the responding officers for their “courage and quick actions.”
“We will use every resource to bring those responsible to justice. We will not allow fear to prevail,” Walz stated.
President Trump commented on the “terrible shooting,” saying he had been informed about the situation. He mentioned that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are working on the investigation and would ensure that anyone involved is prosecuted “to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Such shocking violence will not be accepted in the United States,” Trump expressed. “God bless the wonderful people of Minnesota, a truly exceptional place!”
Senator Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, along with Representative Tom Emmer, a Republican from the state, issued a joint statement addressing the shootings along with all members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation.
“Today, we unite to convey our sorrow, outrage, and condemnation of this terrible attack on public officials,” read the statement. “There is no room in our democracy for violence driven by political motives. We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and mourn the losses of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues, and fellow Minnesotans. We are thankful for the rapid response of law enforcement.”
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has requested Capitol Police to enhance security for Minnesota senators Klobuchar and Tina Smith. He also urged Senate Sergeant at Arms Jennifer Hemingway and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to organize a full briefing as soon as senators return to Washington.
“As we monitor this alarming situation, I encourage everyone to remain safe, stay alert, and denounce all forms of political violence,” Schumer urged. “However, merely condemning violence while ignoring its causes is insufficient. We must address the harmful influences radicalizing individuals and take greater steps to safeguard one another, our democracy, and the shared values that unite us as Americans.”
Former Representative Gabby Giffords of Arizona, who survived a shooting in 2011 in Tucson that claimed six lives and injured twelve, expressed her “horror and heartbreak” regarding the recent shootings.
“My family and I are all too familiar with the nightmare of a targeted shooting,” Giffords, now married to Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, stated. “An attack on lawmakers strikes at the heart of American democracy. Leaders must vocally condemn the incitement of violent extremism that threatens the foundation of this country.”
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson asserted, “Such appalling political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must categorically reject it.”
