ST. PAUL, Minn. — Authorities have identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as the suspect in the targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, according to sources confirmed by the Associated Press on Saturday.
The attacks took place late Friday evening in separate incidents near the homes of both lawmakers in the Twin Cities metro area. Both Hortman, the Minnesota House Speaker, and Hoffman, a state senator, were hospitalized and are in stable condition. Details regarding the extent of their injuries have not been released.
Law enforcement officials have not disclosed a motive but described Boelter as armed and dangerous. A statewide manhunt remains active as authorities continue to search for the suspect. The public has been urged to avoid contact 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. Investigators are examining whether the attacks were politically motivated or linked to personal grievances.
Boelter previously served on state workforce council
Records show that Boelter, a Minnesota resident, was appointed twice to the nonpartisan Governor’s Workforce Development Council — first in 2016 under former Governor Mark Dayton, and again in 2019 under current Governor Tim Walz. His term expired in January 2023. No prior criminal record for Boelter has been made public.
The shootings have prompted increased security at the Minnesota State Capitol and for other elected officials statewide. Governor Tim Walz condemned the attacks, calling them “a brazen assault on our democracy,” and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Governor Phil Murphy issued a statement condemning the targeted shooting of Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, calling the attack an assault on democracy.
“I am horrified by the targeted shooting of Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses this weekend,” Murphy said. The shooting resulted in the assassination of former Minnesota State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the attempted assassination of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
Murphy described the attack as a direct challenge to democratic values, emphasizing that political disagreements must be resolved through debate rather than violence. “There is no place for political violence in the United States, and we must all work together to ensure our political differences are settled through debate, not bloodshed,” he stated.
Drawing a parallel to a past incident in New Jersey, Murphy referenced the 2020 targeted attack on U.S. District Court Judge Esther Salas. In that incident, an armed assailant killed Judge Salas’s son, Daniel, and seriously wounded her husband, Mark.
Increased security measures in New Jersey following shooting
Though officials have found no known or credible threats in New Jersey, Murphy announced that Attorney General Matthew Platkin has increased security measures statewide. The heightened security includes stepped-up patrols and additional protection for public officials.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Melissa and Mark Hortman as they struggle with this loss, and we are praying for a full recovery for John and Yvette Hoffman,” Murphy said. He also expressed hope that the suspect will be apprehended and brought to justice swiftly.
Although no threats have been reported in New Jersey, Murphy confirmed that Attorney General Matthew Platkin has stepped up security measures for public officials out of an abundance of caution.
Legislative leaders from both parties in Minnesota have expressed solidarity with the victims, denouncing the violence and calling for unity.
Authorities continue to search for Boelter as the investigation into the shootings remains ongoing.
