Who is Vance Boelter? What We Know About Suspect in Democrat Assassination

Law enforcement sources have identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect in the targeted shooting of two Minnesota state lawmakers early Saturday morning, according to The Associated Press.

The attacks killed State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in their Brooklyn Park home, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife remain hospitalized in critical condition after being shot in Champlin. The suspect impersonated a police officer during both attacks, wearing official-looking gear including a vest, badge, and equipment.

The attacks began around 2:00 a.m. at Senator Hoffman’s Champlin residence, followed by the fatal shooting at Representative Hortman’s Brooklyn Park home at approximately 3:35 a.m. When officers arrived at Hortman’s residence to conduct a welfare check, they encountered someone dressed as a police officer exiting the home.

Investigators found “No Kings” protest flyers in the suspect’s vehicle, prompting authorities to cancel planned demonstrations across the state as a precautionary measure. Law enforcement sources indicate investigators are examining whether the attacks were motivated by extreme views on abortion policy.

Representative Hortman, first elected in 2004, served as House Speaker from 2019 to 2025 and was the current Democratic leader in the legislature. Senator Hoffman, representing District 34 since 2013, previously served on the Anoka Hennepin School Board.

The suspect remains at large, with Brooklyn Park under an active shelter-in-place order while hundreds of law enforcement officers from multiple agencies conduct an intensive manhunt. Police have issued unusual safety warnings, advising residents not to open doors to lone officers and noting that “licensed officers are working in pairs.” Enhanced security has been deployed to protect officials named on the target list, while Governor Walz has advised against attending political rallies until the suspect is captured. The FBI continues coordinating with state and local authorities as the investigation develops.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.