Two Minnesota Lawmakers and Their Spouses Shot in Apparent Targeted Political Attack; Rep. Hortman and Husband Killed
Updated: June 14, 2025 at 5:15 PM.
Sunday Evening, June 15, 2025: VANCE LUTHER WAS ARRESTED SUNDAY EVENING IN GREEN ISLE, MN.
FBI Offers $50,000 Reward for Information on Suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, in Shooting of Minnesota Lawmakers
Additional Coverage: Shelter-in-Place Ordered in Faxon Township as Search Intensifies for Minnesota Shooter Vance Boelter
LATEST UPDATE - 3:15 PM, June 14, 2025: The Minnesota BCA has confirmed that 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter is a person of interest in the shooting case. They are now asking for the public’s help in the search for him. Law enforcement requests that if you see him, do not approach him; instead, call 911 immediately. You are to assume he is armed and dangerous.
Vance is a white male who is 6’1”, 220 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing:
Light-colored cowboy hat
Dark-colored long-sleeved collared shirt or coat
Light pants
Carrying a dark bag
If you have seen him or have any information related to this case, you can contact your local police department, call 911, the Minnesota BCA Tip Line at 877-996-6222, or email the Minnesota BCA at bca.tips@state.mn.us.
June 14, 2025 - 1 PM Update: Multiple sources have reported that the alleged suspect in connection with the shooting of two state lawmakers and their spouses has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter. Boeltar was appointed by Walz in 2019 and served for four years as part of the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
This is still developing.
June 14, 2025 at 12:12 PM Update: "Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public not to attend today’s planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution." - State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic
The photo below is of flyers found inside the vehicle of the suspect in today's shootings and shared by the Minnesota State Patrol.
Provided by the Minnesota State Patrol of flyers found in the suspect vehicle.
Minnesota Democratic Sen. John Hoffman (right) and Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman (left).
ORIGINAL STORY - BROOKLYN PARK, MINNESOTA: In what Governor Tim Walz has condemned as a “targeted political assassination,” two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot overnight in separate but related incidents in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband succumbed to their injuries, while Sen. John Hoffman and his wife remain hospitalized following emergency surgery.
According to a morning press briefing held by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the violence began at the Hoffman residence in Champlin. Police responded to reports of gunfire and found both Sen. Hoffman and his wife seriously injured. Brooklyn Park police, assisting Champlin authorities, then moved to check on Rep. Hortman, who also resides in the area, out of an abundance of caution.
When officers arrived at Hortman’s home, they observed what appeared to be an SUV that looked similar to a police squad in the driveway. A man dressed in a police uniform was seen exiting the residence. Officers attempted to engage him, but the man opened fire, triggering a gunfight before the man retreated back into the home. He later fled through the back of the property. Authorities quickly confirmed the man was not a legitimate law enforcement officer but had been impersonating one to gain access to the property.
Rep. Hortman, a Democrat representing District 34B in Brooklyn Park, and her husband were fatally wounded. Sen. Hoffman, who represents Senate District 34 and also serves as a Democrat, remains in critical but stable condition. Both he and his wife reportedly sustained multiple gunshot wounds but are expected to survive.
The two homes are located roughly five to six miles apart. Law enforcement believes both attacks were carried out by the same individual, who is currently at large.
A manifesto found at one of the scenes reportedly contained a list of targeted political figures, including both Hoffman and Hortman, leading investigators to believe the shootings were premeditated and politically motivated.
The Brooklyn Park Police Department issued a shelter-in-place order at approximately 5:30 a.m. for a three-mile radius surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course as the manhunt intensifies. Thousands of residents remain under lockdown as tactical teams search the area.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. He is believed to be armed and dangerous, and may still be impersonating a police officer. He also wore a tactical belt with a taser and carried what appeared to be an official badge. The man is on foot, as law enforcement has taken custody of his vehicle. Law enforcement has stated that if an officer approaches the door, you can call 911 to verify if the person is an actual law enforcement officer. Law enforcement personnel will not be going door to door individually, but will be working in teams of two or more. The investigation remains active and ongoing. Residents are urged to remain vigilant. If you observe anything suspicious or encounter anyone resembling the suspect, do not approach — instead, call 911 immediately.
Brooklyn Park Police, the Champlin Police Department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and federal partners are actively coordinating the manhunt.
In a statement from Bloomington Mayor Tim Busse, he states:
“We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic shooting and killing of Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. On behalf of the City of Bloomington, I want to offer heartfelt condolences to the families of Rep. and Mr. Hortman, and our thoughts are with the Hoffman family as they recover.
Targeted attacks against public servants and their families are abhorrent and have no place in our society.
This is a somber day for the State of Minnesota.”
Further updates will be provided as new details become available. This is still developing.
