Vance Boelter is charged in a deadly shooting that killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and injured Sen. John Hoffman in Minnesota.
NEW YORK (WE) — The state of Minnesota remains stunned following a violent weekend in which Democratic lawmakers became targets of deadly attacks. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, now sits in jail after authorities say he carried out a political assassination that left one legislator dead and another critically wounded.
On Saturday morning, police in Champlin responded to gunfire at the home of State Senator John Hoffman around 2:07 a.m. Inside, they discovered Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, both shot multiple times. First responders quickly rushed the couple to the hospital. According to officials, Hoffman endured nine gunshot wounds.
Just hours later, authorities in Brooklyn Park, located roughly 9 miles from Champlin, arrived at another violent scene. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, had also been shot. Melissa died at the scene. Mark passed away shortly after at the hospital.
As a result of the attacks, Governor Tim Walz called off his public appearances and labeled the shootings “politically motivated.” Soon after, law enforcement launched a massive manhunt for Boelter.
By Sunday afternoon, authorities located Boelter near his residence in Green Isle, a rural town in Sibley County with a population of under 15,000. According to the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, the arrest followed intense police work and coordination between local and federal agencies.
Boelter is currently being held at the Hennepin County Jail in Minneapolis. Prosecutors have charged him with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Each charge carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years. His bail has been set at $5 million. He is scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. Monday.
While the state reels from the tragedy, many are asking: Who exactly is Vance Boelter?
Boelter describes himself as a security professional. In 2016, then-Governor Mark Dayton appointed him to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board, a panel designed to guide employment policy. Governor Walz reappointed him in 2019. Records show that Senator Hoffman also served on this 60-member board, although it remains unclear whether the two men had direct interactions.
Boelter’s professional background includes private security. Corporate records reveal that his wife registered a business, Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC, using the couple’s home address. The company advertises services for residential areas and schools.
Authorities say Boelter heavily modified his Ford SUV to resemble a police vehicle. Upon searching the car, police discovered three AK-47-style rifles, a 9mm handgun, a tactical mask, a gold badge resembling law enforcement credentials, and a list of public officials’ names and addresses. According to the criminal complaint unsealed Sunday, investigators believe Boelter planned additional attacks.
Meanwhile, the FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. The urgency of the case prompted involvement from federal law enforcement, including the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. These agencies continue to examine Boelter’s digital communications, firearms purchases, and potential ideological affiliations.
Despite the mounting evidence, Boelter’s motive remains officially unconfirmed. Governor Walz told reporters that the shootings appeared politically driven. Investigators found “No Kings” protest flyers in Boelter’s vehicle — a phrase associated with anti-government rhetoric.
The Minnesota State Patrol posted images of the flyers on its X (formerly Twitter) account. The phrase “NO KINGS” has surfaced during protests that criticize centralized power, especially under former President Donald Trump. Several of those protests were scheduled nationwide on Saturday, Trump’s 79th birthday and the day he hosted a parade in Washington, D.C..
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As tensions rose, Governor Walz canceled his appearance at a major rally in St. Paul. Organizers suspended other events across the state, fearing more violence. However, some protests went forward, albeit under tight security.
Melissa Hortman had been a prominent figure in Minnesota politics. Elected to the state House in 2004, she served as Speaker for six years. Her tenure included advocacy for renewable energy, labor rights, and notably, abortion access. In 2023, she led efforts to enshrine reproductive rights into Minnesota law following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Melissa and Mark Hortman leave behind two adult children. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled both deaths as homicides caused by multiple gunshot wounds.
Senator Hoffman, who remains hospitalized, has represented Minnesota’s District 36 since 2012. He is best known for his work on education, disability rights, and social services. According to Governor Walz, Hoffman is recovering after surgery, and doctors are hopeful about his condition.
Leaders from both major political parties have expressed outrage and sorrow. House Speaker Lisa Demuth, a Republican, issued a statement calling the attacks “abhorrent” and praised law enforcement’s swift response. She added that her thoughts are with the victims and their families.
Former President Trump also commented via Truth Social, stating, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.” He pledged that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI would hold anyone responsible accountable.
Information about Boelter’s political views remains unclear. While Minnesota law doesn’t require voters to declare party affiliation, documents from 2016 and 2020 list Boelter’s status as “no party preference.” Nonetheless, a man claiming to be Boelter’s roommate, David Carlson, told KARE-TV that Boelter voted for Trump in 2024.
Carlson also shared alarming messages Boelter allegedly sent before the shootings. One text read: “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly. I love you guys. I wish it hadn’t gone this way.”
In addition, The Star Tribune reported that officers recovered a handwritten list from Boelter, containing the names of pro-choice lawmakers. This detail strengthens suspicions that the attacks reflect ideological motives, especially targeting Democratic efforts to preserve abortion rights.
Now, legal proceedings will determine Boelter’s fate. Prosecutors appear determined to pursue the harshest penalties allowed under Minnesota law. Furthermore, federal charges could follow, especially if officials determine Boelter crossed state lines to acquire weapons or coordinate his attacks.
Beyond the court system, Minnesota residents are grappling with difficult questions. How did Boelter evade detection? Could authorities have done more to prevent the killings? What role, if any, did political extremism play?
In the aftermath, legislators have called for enhanced security at the Minnesota State Capitol and increased mental health support for public officials. They have also renewed conversations about gun control, surveillance laws, and political polarization.
As for Melissa Hortman, her legacy remains one of courage and conviction. Even her opponents recognized her as a principled, effective leader. As House Speaker Demuth remarked, “Few legislators have had as large an impact on the State of Minnesota.”
Ultimately, the tragedy serves as a chilling reminder of the stakes involved in public service. It also highlights the urgent need for unity in a country struggling to manage its deep political divides.
