A man posing as a police officer shot and killed a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband in a brazen attack at their home early Saturday.
A second lawmaker and his wife were wounded in a separate shooting in what Gov. Tim Walz described as “targeted political violence.”
Police were searching for the gunman responsible for the attacks on the Democratic legislators. Writings found inside a fake police car recovered at one of the shooting scenes mentioned the names of multiple lawmakers and other officials, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.
Two people familiar with the matter identified the suspect being sought as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. The people could not publicly discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Suspect Boelter had a sickening manifesto and connection to Walz.
Officials say both Hortman and Hoffman were mentioned in the suspect’s writings.
“When we did a search of the vehicle, there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials. We immediately made alerts to the state. We took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary,” said Bruley.
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people “out of an abundance of caution” not to attend any of the “No Kings” protests that were scheduled for across the state on Saturday.
Bogojevic said authorities didn’t have any direct evidence that the protests would be targeted, but said the suspect had some “No Kings” flyers in their car. Organizers announced that all of the protests across the state were canceled.
Hours after the shootings, hundreds of police and sheriff deputies from departments in the region, some in tactical gear with assault style weapons, were scattered through the town. Occasional police roadblocks where cars are stopped and checked.
This live blog has now ended.
Suspect's survival gear
Vance Boelter had survival gear in the vehicle that police found, according to CNN.
Police are also examining whether the suspect wore a latex face mask when he shot the two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses early Saturday.
The manhunt for Boelter is continuing with hundreds of police officers searching the Minnesota suburb.
Flags at half-staff
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Melissa Hortman's honor.
He said: "We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence. Those responsible for this will be held accountable."
Gov Walz paid tribute to Rep Hortman as a "formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota."
He said: "She woke up every day, determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable."
FBI update
The FBI is using “every available resource” to find Vance Boelter, the agency said in a post on X.
FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr saidL “This was a deliberate and violent attack on public servants and their families. We are working with our law enforcement partners and using every available resource to locate and apprehend Vance Boelter."
He encouraged anyone with information about Boelter's whereabouts to contact the FBI. He said: “The public’s vigilance is critical in bringing this individual to justice.”
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information to call the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-225-5324 or the BCA at 1-877-996-6222, or send an emailed tip to bca.tips@state.mn.us.
Suspect's home searched
SWAT teams and police officers are searching Vance Boelter's home in Green Isle, Minnesota. Sibley County Sheriff Patrick Nienaber said the house and farm site are being searched.
He confirmed Boelter was not at home when officers arrived.
Sheriff Nienaber said: “Vehicles that were here today from numerous sheriff’s offices and SWAT teams were here today helping us. There were 75 plus people involved with the search.”
Manhunt continues
Hundreds of police officers are hunting Vance Boelter in Minneapolis. The FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
They did not give details on a possible motive but it's understood the his writings contained information targeting prominent lawmakers who have been outspoken in favor of abortion rights.
Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman but it is not clear if or how well they knew each other.
Authorities said the suspect had "No Kings" flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims as well as other lawmakers and officials.
Hoffman expected to recover
John and Yvette Hoffman each underwent surgery, according to Walz.
“We are cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” the governor said at a morning news conference.
Hoffman, 60, was first elected in 2012 and was chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, which oversees one of the biggest parts of the state budget.
Wife Yvette reportedly threw herself in front of their daughter to shield her from the bullets.
'Treasure of the North Star state'
Rep. Melissa Hortman was a 'treasure', according to Sen. Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota.
She told MSNBC: "She grew up in a working class suburb. She went away to college.
"She came back and met her husband and worked at her dad’s auto parts store and then got involved. She was a Girl Scout leader, taught day school. I got to know her when we were both in politics, starting out in local offices and legislature for her, county for me.
"She loved dogs and she was this leader like no other. She worked in a practically tied legislature and got a budget done at the end of this year. She, along with the governor and our other legislative leaders, was able to usher through school lunches and family leave and stood up for women’s rights."
Trump says shootings 'absolutely terrible'
While heading to his birthday parade, President Trump spoke about the shocking attacks.
Trump said: "Absolutely terrible, absolutely terrible and they’re looking for that particular man right now."
Earlier today, Trump revealed that he had been briefed on the attacks.
On Truth Social, he posted: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law.
"Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"
FBI releases pic of suspect in mask
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) has released new images of a masked man with a flashlight as part of their search for the suspected shooter.
The images show someone wearing what appears to be a rubber or silicone mask resembling that of a Caucasian male, while wearing a uniform and equipment resembling that of a police officer. It was released as part of an appeal to find Boelter.
Boelter has been placed on the FBI's "Most Wanted" list.
Shelter-in-place order lifted
A shelter-in-place order in a 3-mile area has now been lifted.
Police had stopped people from going in the City of Brooklyn Park on Saturday morning over fears the shooter was hiding there.
However, the authorities now have reason to believe the suspect is no longer in the area.
An emergency alert read: "The Brooklyn Park Police are no longer requiring people to shelter in place. The suspect is not in custody but there is reason to believe he is no longer in the area. Watch media for a photograph of the suspect. Please call 911 if you see anything suspicious."
What was the suspect's motive?
The authorities are still trying to work out a specific motive for the shootings.
They uncovered a 'manifesto' in the suspect's car with a list of other political targets and are working to ascertain if it includes the motivation.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said: "This is a very active and fluid investigation throughout the day, as you’ve been waiting, and these teams have been out working out in the field, and they have been gathering more documents and information.
"So it would be premature for me at this point to really say exactly what the motivation might be from these writings, but we will be continuing to work on that and provide that information when we’re able."
Abortion rights supports were targeted
The shooting suspect's list of targets featured prominent abortion rights supporters in Minnesota.
An official has revealed that Democratic lawmakers who have publicly supported abortion rights policy positions were on the list.
The names included abortion providers, pro-choice advocates, and lawmakers in Minnesota and other states, the official added.
'Outrage, grief, and condemnation'
Minnesota's Congressional delegation has reacted to the horrifying shootings.
Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, Reps. Tom Emmer, Brad Finstad, Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison, Betty McCollum, Ilhan Omar, Michelle Fischbach and Pete Stauber, all of Minnesota, released a joint statement.
According to a law enforcement source, all of the Democratic members of Minnesota’s Congressional delegation were on the suspect's alleged target list.
"Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants. There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence," it read.
"We are praying for John and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagues and Minnesotans across the state. We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts."
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Hortman broke down in tears just days before shooting
Just days before she was murdered, Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman broke down in tears in front of cameras.
The Democrat voted to cut access to state health benefits for illegal immigrants in Minnesota.
"I know that people will be hurt by that vote and we worked very hard to get a budget deal that didn’t include that provision," she stated, while admitting she understood why others caucus members would be annoyed with her decision.
"They’re right to be mad at me," she added. "I think some of them are pretty, pretty angry. I think that their job was to make folks who voted for that bill feel like crap, and I think that they succeeded."
Who is suspect Vance Boelter?
A suspect in this sickening shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter.
Sources close to the matter told the AP on the condition of anonymity that Boelter has been named as the suspected shooter.
The New York Post reported Boelter was appointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 to served on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
He currently works for security company Praetorian Guard Security as the director of security patrols, according to their website, and has had training by people in the U.S. Military.
Family says bullet 'very nearly missed' Sen. Hoffman's heart
Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are both in stable condition following surgery, according to a report from CNN affiliate KARE.
The couple's nephew revealed that a bullet "very nearly missed" the senator's heart, while his wife was fortunate to have no organs pierced.
In a heroic act, Yvette Hoffman shielded her daughter, Hope, from harm during the incident.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the family remains hopeful, receiving positive updates from the hospital regarding the couple's condition.
All Minnesota 'No Kings' protests cancelled after posters found in suspected shooter's car
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people “out of an abundance of caution” not to attend any of the “No Kings” protests that were scheduled for across the state on Saturday.
Minnesota State Patrol wrote on X: "Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today’s planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution."
Bogojevic said authorities didn’t have any direct evidence that the protests would be targeted, but said the suspect had some “No Kings” flyers in their car. Organizers echoed the announcement that all of the protests across the state were canceled.
Minnesota shooting suspect manifesto 'included Gov. Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar, dozens of others'
According to law enforcement sources familiar with the matter who spoke to ABC, "The list included dozens of other Democrats from Minnesota, including Gov. Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Tina Smith and Attorney General Keith Ellison."
Police are still looking for the suspected shooter, who was identified by police sources to the New York Post as Vance Luther Boelter, a former appointee of Governor Tim Walz.
Minnesota Attorney General 'beyond heartbroken'
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said the deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark have left him, “beyond heartbroken.”
“She was wise, she was caring, she was brilliant, and her smile lifted people up in a good times and helped them through the bad,” he said of his friend of two decades.
Suspected shooter identified as former Walz appointee
According to the NYP, a former appointee of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is the suspected shooter in the assassination of a state lawmaker and the shooting of another.
Records show Boelter, 57, was appointed by Walz in 2019, and served on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
Suspect had 'manifesto' and 'No Kings' protest fliers in siezed mock police car
State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic explained "there were some flyers that said 'no kings' within the suspect's vehicle."
BREAKING: Police say “No Kings” flyers were found in the car of the gunman who shot Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota.
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) June 14, 2025
The suspect, who remains at large, was driving a vehicle that looked identical to a police SUV, equipped with emergency lights, a Taser, and a badge. pic.twitter.com/OAkq7CNcbn
President Donald Trump responds to 'terrible shooting'
After having Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issue a statement on his behalf, President Trump, celebrating his birthday through a military parade in D.C. today, took to Truth Social to comment on the targeted shooting that took two lives in Minnesota.
"I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!" wrote President Trump.
Minneapolis 'No Kings' protest cancelled as 'precaution'
Organizers of a “No Kings” event that was scheduled in Northeast Minneapolis today has since been canceled as police are still hunting a shooting suspect who is accused of killing state Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband.
The official notice warns people not to show up, "because of a shelter-in-place order following the attacks on two Minnesota state lawmakers."
Another group called Indivisible Twin Cities is still holding a "No Kings"-related event outside of the state Capitol building.
"We think it's important to gather peacefully. In the face of this horror, we will mourn and mark our determination for a peaceful, just, democratic future," the group said on social media. "Our leadership team is in touch with authorities at the Capitol and will share any updates."
Karoline Leavitt says 'horrific violence will not be tolerated' in Trump's 'statement'
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tweeted a statement from President Donald Trump, railing against the perpetrator. The tweet did not offer condolences but assured that 'the fullest extent of the law' will be used.
Leavitt wrote: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"
Meanwhile, on Truth Social, U.S. President Donald Trump, as of an hour ago, wrote: "This is a big day for America!!! DJT." He also wished the military a 'happy 250th birthday,' a 'happy flag day,' and reminded folks, "OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE. REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C."
California Governor Newsom offers 'condolences'
California's Governor Gavin Newsom tweeted his condolences for Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband: "This is appalling. Lawmakers are now being shot and assassinated — targeted for their political beliefs. We pray for their families. We grieve with Minnesota. We call for peace in our politics."
Police find 'manifesto' that listed other lawmakers in Minnesota suspect's car
Police Chief Mark Bruley with the Brooklyn Park Police Department in Minnesota said at a press conference that they were able to 'sieze' the suspect's car - where they found a 'manifesto.'
While Bruley insisted it's an active investigation, preventing him from sharing too much until all information can be confirmed, he did say that 'a search of the vehicle' turned up 'a list.'
"This is rapidly evolving just occurred a few hours ago, and we're trying to sort it out," Bruley began. "We have partners from the FBI, the BCA Sheriff's office, and almost every suburban agency in our community helping us with this. So it's very complex and working on it."
"But I will tell you this. We did a search of the vehicle. There was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials."
"We immediately made alerts to the state who took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary, and I'll stop there."
Minnesota state police say there will be a large police presence at all political events today and extra precautions are being taken around the state.
What we know about Minnesota shooting suspect so far
In Minnesota, police are still hunting a suspect who impersonated law enforcement and shot and killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injured State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Tentatively, the suspect has been identified as Vance Boelter, 57, by two law enforcement officers to CNN.
Here's what we know so far, according to a press conference given by state Governor Tim Walz, and members of the police department.
- At 2 a.m. police responded to the scene of a shooting, at Sen Hoffman's house
- At 3:35 a.m. police responded to a call from Speaker Hortman's home, where police first encountered individual
- Suspect escaped in exchange of gunfire between officers and suspect
- Suspect was in a 'law enforcement vehicle' with sirens on when actual officers arrived at Hortman's home
- Police observed shooter was wearing police-looking 'vest, with taser'
- Unnamed suspect managed to 'flee' though 'back of home' in gunfire exchange
- Police have siezed the car suspect was driving during the time of shootings and uncovered manifesto
- Manifesto named 'a number' of other lawmakers, resulting in heightened security through the state
Vance Boelter is listed as the director at Praetorian Guard Security and "has had training by people in the U.S. Military."
- Suspect on foot
Police continue to warn residents in the area to call the police and check that any officers at their door are registered. Protestors should stay aware that a dangerous individual misrepresenting himself as law enforcement is still on the loose.
Police warn: 'Call police and check if just one officer comes to door' in lockdown zone
Commissioner of Public Safety for the state of Minnesota, Bob Jacobson, warned residents of Brooklyn Park that with a "large scale search is currently going on, I just remind residents of Brooklyn Park... that if somebody comes to the door and they knock on the door and claiming to be a police officer, please do a couple of things."
"One, call 911 and confirm that the officer belongs there. If they are. Police officer dispatch will be able to confirm that that person's a police officer. "
"Also, we have informed all our officers in Brooklyn Park that they are not to approach anybody by themselves. They're approaching pairs, meaning two officers. So if there's only one officer outside the door, do not answer the door and call 911."
"If it's a Brooklyn Park police officer or any of our partners that are assisting, they will come in pairs of 2 or more."
He further warned that residents should continue to shelter in place until the warning is lifted for safety.
Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman killed in 'politically motivated assassination'
Governor Tim Walz confirmed that Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were both killed in the shooting.
"My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination," Walz said at a press conference.
"Our state lost a great leader, and I lost a dearest of friends. Speaker Hartman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor. And a sense of service She was a formidable public servant. A fixture and a giant in Minnesota."
"She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place. She is irreplaceable and we've been missed by so many. Minnesota's thoughts and prayers are with her family, her loved ones, her children, and her parents."
'Suspect escaped in hail of gunfire' after shooting two elected officials
Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Drew Evans, went through the course of events in the shocking shooting in Brooklyn Park.
"About 2 a.m. this morning there was an original call in the city of Champlain where there was an individual that had shot Senator Hoffman and his wife. Police responded to that location.
They were dealing with that and working through that process overnight, and then later on at approximately 3:35, another call came in when it was officers proactively checking because they knew of the incident that occurred.
And they were going to check on Speaker Hortman at that time, at which time Brooklyn Park police officers encountered an individual who immediately fired at them, and they exchanged gunfire and then the individual was able to escape during that exchange of gunfire.
At the residence in Champlain, there were life-saving measures that were provided there. Both individuals were transported, as was previously noted, and they both received surgeries for their injuries at the hospital and their conditions."