A massive manhunt is underway in Minnesota after a politically motivated attack left a Democratic lawmaker and her husband dead, with another lawmaker and his wife critically injured in a series of shootings that has shocked the nation.
At a Glance
- Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were killed in a politically motivated attack, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were critically injured in a coordinated assault
- Suspect Vance Boelter, who allegedly impersonated a police officer during the attacks, remains at large with authorities offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest
- A manifesto and target list were discovered in Boelter’s vehicle, with additional potential targets including US Senator Tina Smith
- The attacks occurred around 2 a.m. with the shooter targeting Senator Hoffman’s residence first, followed by Hortman’s home
- President Trump has condemned the violence, stating federal authorities are involved in the investigation
The Deadly Attacks and Ongoing Manhunt
Law enforcement officials are conducting an extensive search for Vance Luther Boelter, identified as the primary suspect in what Governor Tim Walz has described as a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter is accused of fatally shooting Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party member and former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark at their Brooklyn Park home.
Before that attack, he allegedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their Champlin residence, leaving both with critical injuries. Both targeted lawmakers were members of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, and their homes are located in suburbs north of Minneapolis.
Authorities describe Boelter as 6-foot-1 with brown hair, wearing a light-colored cowboy hat and a dark, long-sleeve collared shirt or coat during the attacks. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Investigators discovered a manifesto and target list in Boelter’s vehicle, which reportedly included US Senator Tina Smith among potential targets. The suspect reportedly impersonated a police officer during the attacks and has a history of political involvement and security contracting work.
BREAKING – CORRECTION: Gunman Posing as Police Officer Shoots Two Minnesota Democratic Lawmakers in Pre-dawn Attacks, Both In Grave Condition, But Not Dead
In the early hours of June 14, a man impersonating a police officer shot two Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor legislators… pic.twitter.com/Gk7MjQ1Z9W
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) June 14, 2025
Official Responses and Public Reaction
President Trump issued a statement condemning the violence, confirming federal involvement in the investigation. “I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” Trump said. “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.”
“Political violence will not stop the work of our democracy or silence the voices of the people or their elected representatives,” said State Rep. Emma Greenman in response to the attacks.
A makeshift memorial has been established at the Minnesota State Capitol to honor Melissa Hortman, who served in the state House since 2004 and as speaker from 2019 to 2025. Former Sen. Al Franken praised Hortman for her dedication to Democratic causes and leadership as state House speaker. Governor Walz described her as “a formidable public servant” whose loss is deeply felt across the state. GOP Rep. Lisa Demuth expressed horror and heartbreak over the attacks, calling for prayers for the victims and law enforcement.
Dedicated public officials should never have to fear for their lives while serving their community.
Devastated to hear about the targeted shooting of lawmakers and their spouses and am praying for the recovery of John and Yvette Hoffman, families of the victims, & Minnesota. https://t.co/GfvzE1JIlk
— Lt Governor Tahesha Way (@LtGovWay) June 14, 2025
Broader Implications for Political Safety
The attacks have raised significant concerns about the safety of elected officials across the country. Democratic Party executive Ron Harris expressed the growing fear many potential candidates now face when considering public service. “I ran for office myself, and I had to bring my family together,” he said. “We had to have conversations about security and data privacy. We had to have conversations about making sure that they remain safe, and I wasn’t a target for anything. So now with this example, people have another layer to think about.”
The shootings come amid heightened political tensions across the country. US Senator Amy Klobuchar called the incident “an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy.” The planned “No Kings” protests in Minneapolis have been canceled following the attacks. Governor Walz advised caution regarding protests in the wake of the violence, while noting that political leaders from both parties have previously been targets of politically motivated violence. This incident adds to a concerning pattern of threats and violence directed at public officials in recent years.
The attacks highlight the personal risks that public officials endure and have renewed debates on security measures for elected representatives at all levels of government. As the manhunt continues, communities across Minnesota remain on high alert while mourning the loss of a respected public servant and praying for the recovery of those wounded in this targeted act of political violence.
