14.06.2025 19:41
Tragedy struck Minnesota early Saturday morning as a politically motivated attack claimed the lives of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Simultaneously, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife sustained injuries in what Governor Tim Walz described as an assassination attempt.
The assailant, identified by law enforcement as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, remains at large, prompting a statewide manhunt. An initial police alert, reported by the Minnesota Star-Tribune, characterized Boelter as armed, dangerous, and potentially impersonating a law enforcement officer. This urgency was heightened by the suspect's immediate aggression when confronted by police at the Hortman residence.
Details emerging from the investigation paint a disturbing picture. Brooklyn Park Chief of Police Mark Bruley recounted how officers responding to a call discovered an SUV equipped with emergency lights and an individual initially appearing to be a police officer at the Hortman home. This individual, later identified as Boelter, opened fire upon being challenged, retreating back into the house. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed further evidence, though details remain undisclosed pending the ongoing investigation.
Federal authorities are actively involved, as confirmed by Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino on X. He stated the FBI is collaborating extensively with state and local law enforcement partners to apprehend Boelter and bring him to justice. Governor Walz, expressing profound sorrow, confirmed the deaths of Representative Hortman and her husband during a press conference, while providing a cautiously optimistic update on Senator Hoffman and his wife's condition following surgery.
President Donald Trump also issued a statement condemning the violence and affirming the nation's intolerance for such acts. This horrific incident has sent shockwaves through the state and the nation, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the ongoing investigation's vital importance. The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but the Governor's characterization points to a deeply troubling political dimension. News sources, including internet reports, highlight the significant ongoing efforts to apprehend the suspect.
