Minneapolis, MN – Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the suspect sought in connection with the shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, sources confirmed to the Associated Press on Saturday.
The attacks, which occurred late Friday evening, left both lawmakers injured and sent shockwaves through the state’s political community. Hortman, the Minnesota House Speaker, and Hoffman, a state senator, were targeted in separate incidents near their homes in the Twin Cities metro area.
Both were rushed to local hospitals and are reported to be in stable condition, though details about their injuries remain undisclosed.
Law enforcement officials have not released a motive for the shootings but described Boelter as armed and dangerous. A statewide manhunt is underway, with police urging the public to avoid contact with the suspect and report any sightings immediately.
Boelter is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, with short gray hair and a medium build. He was last seen driving a dark-colored SUV.
The shootings have prompted heightened security measures at the Minnesota State Capitol and for other elected officials.
Governor Tim Walz called the attacks “a brazen assault on our democracy” and vowed to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Legislative leaders from both parties expressed solidarity with Hortman and Hoffman, condemning the violence and calling for unity.
Investigators are working to determine whether the shootings were politically motivated or linked to personal grievances. Boelter, a Minnesota resident with no prior criminal record made public, remains at large as authorities continue their search.
According to Eyewitness News, ” Boelter was twice appointed to the nonpartisan Governor’s Workforce Development Council in 2016 under former Gov. Mark Dayton and again in 2019 under Gov. Tim Walz. His most recent term expired in January 2023.”
President Trump posted the following message on Truth Social: 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
The public is asked to provide any information about Boelter’s whereabouts to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or local law enforcement.