The suspect in the targeted shootings that killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and critically injured Sen. John Hoffman has been identified as Vance Luther Boelter, a former appointee of Governor Tim Walz, authorities confirmed Saturday.
Boelter, 57, allegedly posed as a police officer to gain entry into the homes of both lawmakers early Saturday morning. Officials say he first shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their Champlin residence, leaving them seriously wounded. He then allegedly proceeded to the home of Rep. Melissa Hortman in Brooklyn Park, fatally shooting her and her husband in what Gov. Walz had earlier described as a “politically motivated assassination.”
According to a report from the New York Post, Boelter was appointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 to a four-year term on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. He had previously served under former Governor Mark Dayton in 2016. Records reviewed by 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS show his last official term ended in January 2023.
One law enforcement official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Boelter had a “prior relationship” with Governor Walz, though the nature of that relationship remains under review.
“This is an attack on democracy and a direct assault on the values of Minnesota. We will not tolerate violence fueled by political hatred,” — Gov. Tim Walz via press briefing.
Authorities also confirmed that several alarming items were found in Boelter’s vehicle, including a political manifesto, a list of targeted political figures, and flyers reading “No Kings”—a reference to protests scheduled for Saturday opposing the Trump Administration and federal immigration enforcement.
Security Concerns Grow Across Minnesota
Following the attacks, Gov. Walz ordered enhanced security protections for all Minnesota state lawmakers. “The threat is not over,” one official stated. “We are working quickly to ensure the safety of all public servants.”
Boelter remains at large, and a statewide manhunt is underway. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, FBI, and local law enforcement are collaborating on the search, warning the public that the suspect is armed and dangerous.
This is the second targeted political attack in the United States in less than a month, reigniting concerns about political violence ahead of the 2026 midterm election cycle.
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