Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Suspect Identified

Authorities in Minnesota have identified the man suspected of gunning down two prominent Democrats in a targeted, politically charged shooting spree that has rocked the state’s political establishment.

The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, is now the focus of an urgent statewide manhunt after allegedly posing as a police officer before launching a pair of attacks that left State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife wounded.

Boelter is considered armed, dangerous, and on the run.

“He was absolutely impersonating law enforcement,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley. “He’s using this disguise to gain access—and to kill.”

A Carefully Planned Hit?

The shootings unfolded early Saturday morning, June 14, in what officials are now calling a “politically motivated assassination attempt.”

At separate locations, Boelter allegedly approached both families while dressed in a faux police uniform and driving a vehicle outfitted to resemble a squad SUV, complete with flashing emergency lights. He reportedly knocked on their doors pretending to be an officer—and then opened fire.

Rep. Hortman, 55, was fatally shot alongside her husband Mark. Sen. Hoffman, 60, and his wife Yvette were critically wounded but survived.

“This wasn’t random,” Bruley said. “This was calculated and intentional. And it appears to have been politically driven.”

A Disturbing Discovery: 70 Names, One Manifesto

Inside an abandoned SUV believed to be linked to Boelter, police found a manifesto—a disturbing document that allegedly lists the names of nearly 70 individuals across the country.

Targets reportedly included:

• Lawmakers from multiple states
• Abortion providers
• Reproductive rights activists
• Judges and civil servants

“This was meant to send a message,” one state official told reporters. “And it’s chilling.”

Flyers, printed materials, and surveillance gear were also found in the vehicle, intensifying fears that more violence could follow.

Who Is Vance Boelter?

Boelter is no stranger to state politics or public roles. He previously served on Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board under both Democratic governors Tim Walz and Mark Dayton between 2016 and 2023.

A former executive with stints at Nestle, 7-Eleven, and Del Monte, Boelter now heads two international security companies: Praetorian Guard Security Services in Minnesota and Red Lion Group based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to his company website, Boelter boasts “on-the-ground experiences” in global security operations and claims to have been trained by both private contractors and U.S. military veterans.

But now, that background has taken a terrifying turn.

Last Seen: Cowboy Hat, Bag in Hand

Boelter was last spotted wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark long-sleeve shirt or coat, light pants, and carrying a dark bag. Officials warn he may still be using law enforcement gear to avoid detection.

Public alert:

• Do not approach
• Call 911 immediately if seen
• All officers in Brooklyn Park are operating in pairs—residents are urged to call police if approached by a lone officer

“If you see something, say something. Lives could be on the line,” Bruley stressed.

Governor Walz: “We Will Not Be Intimidated”

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the attack “a horrific assault on democracy,” promising the suspect will be brought to justice.

“This is not just a tragedy. This was an act of terror designed to silence elected officials through fear,” Walz said. “We will not be intimidated.”

As federal and state agencies join the manhunt, the FBI has confirmed it is evaluating potential domestic terrorism charges.