Manhunt in Minnesota After Deadly Shootings of Two State Lawmakers
🚨 Manhunt in Minnesota After Deadly Shootings of Two State Lawmakers
Date: June 15, 2025
Location: Brooklyn Park & Champlin, Minnesota
Overview
A massive manhunt is underway in Minnesota following the early morning shooting spree that left two high-profile Democratic state lawmakers—State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark—dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette critically injured. The suspect, 57‑year‑old Vance Luther Boelter, is believed to have staged the attack while impersonating a police officer
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🔍 Timeline of Events
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Around 2:00 a.m. CDT (June 14): At Senator Hoffman’s home in Champlin, a gunman opened fire. Both Senator Hoffman and his wife were shot and rushed into surgery; their conditions were reported as “cautiously optimistic”
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At ~3:35 a.m.: The suspect arrived at Representative Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park in a vehicle resembling a police SUV. The couple was fatally shot, and police responding nearly engaged Boelter in a gunfight before he fled on foot
👤 The Suspect: Vance Luther Boelter
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Background: Former security contractor and evangelical minister with conservative, anti-abortion ideology. He once served on the Minnesota Workforce Development Board and preached in Africa.
Modus operandi: Impersonated a law enforcement officer using a fake uniform, badge, and vehicle. Inside his abandoned SUV, investigators found a hat matching earlier surveillance footage, as well as a list of ~70 targeted names—including lawmakers and abortion‑rights advocates.
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Status: Currently at large and considered armed and dangerous. Authorities, including the FBI, have issued a multistate alert and a $50,000 reward has been announced for information leading to his capture.
📌 Possible Motives & Broader Context
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Investigators suspect a politically motivated assassination, with anti‑abortion ideology likely playing a central role.
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The incident occurred during "No Kings" protest rallies nationwide, and some flyers related to the event were found in Boelter’s vehicle.
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Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as an act of “targeted political violence” and positioned the country in a troubling trend of rising threats against public officials.
🏛️ Response from Officials & Public
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Law enforcement: A large-scale manhunt persists across rural and suburban areas southwest of Minneapolis, with residents urged to remain vigilant and shelters discouraged from venturing out.
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Political leaders: President Donald Trump and Minnesota’s Governor Walz both issued strong condemnations, pledging swift justice and federal cooperation.
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Community reaction: Several “No Kings” protests in Minnesota were canceled out of concern for public safety, while others continue under a strong police presence. A vigil at the State Capitol drew thousands, showcasing public outrage and solidarity .
🧭 What Happens Next?
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Intensified manhunt: Authorities continue searching wooded areas, farmland, and suburbs surrounding Minneapolis, with local agencies and the FBI coordinating efforts.
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Autopsy & forensic analysis: Officials are meticulously reviewing the manifesto and suspect’s list for additional leads and motives.
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Political and security aftershocks: The shootings are fueling a national discussion on the rise of violence against public servants and the need for stronger protection ✅ Final Takeaway
This tragedy underscores a disturbing trend of extremist‑driven violence against elected officials. With Boelter still at large and wielding hatred as a weapon, Minnesota faces both a public safety crisis and a call to protect its democracy. Vigilance, rapid law enforcement coordination, and community unity have become essential in navigating this dark chapter.
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