Minnesota is reeling after the tragic killings of Melissa Hortman, 55, former House Speaker and prominent Democrat, and her husband, Mark, in their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday morning.
Authorities are pursuing Vance Luther Boelter, 57, who is wanted in connection with the attack. The FBI has joined local police in a large-scale manhunt, with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to his capture and conviction.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the killings as a “political assassination,” urging the community to stay calm while grappling with the shocking violence.
The attack began around 2 a.m. when police responded to gunfire at the home of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, located about nine miles from the Hortmans. Both were seriously wounded and are recovering after surgery.
Following the incident at the Hoffmans’ residence, Brooklyn Park police checked on the Hortman home. Officers encountered a man dressed as a police officer exiting the property. When challenged, the man—later identified as Boelter—opened fire before fleeing inside and escaping on foot.
Inside, police found Mark Hortman, who had been fatally shot. A drone search located Melissa Hortman, also deceased. Investigators believe Boelter disguised himself as an officer to gain entry.
Governor Walz, visibly emotional during a press briefing, honored Melissa Hortman’s legacy as a dedicated leader and close friend. Hortman served as Minnesota House Speaker from 2019 to 2025, championing causes such as universal free school meals and red flag gun laws. She leaves behind two grown children.
Political leaders across the spectrum expressed sorrow and condemned the attack. Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth called it “evil” and expressed deep heartbreak.
Police discovered several AK-style rifles in Boelter’s vehicle, which resembled a police car and was parked near the Hortman residence. They also found a list containing names of politicians and flyers linked to upcoming protests against former President Trump. The motive remains unclear, though the list reportedly included abortion rights supporters.
The ongoing search for Boelter, described as a 6’1”, 220-pound white male with brown hair and eyes, involves multiple agencies. He was last seen wearing a cowboy hat in Minneapolis and is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities urge anyone spotting him to call 911 immediately. TSA has been notified.
The attack has reignited debates over political rhetoric and violence in the U.S. As Minnesota mourns, calls for peaceful political discourse grow louder.
Minnesota has also seen a notable crime increase under Governor Walz, with violent crime surging over 17% in 2020 and 21% in 2021. Murders nearly doubled from 104 in 2018 to 201 in 2021, drawing criticism from conservative outlets that link rising crime rates to soft-on-crime policies.
This tragedy has deeply shaken Minnesota’s sense of safety and unity, as residents await justice and healing.
