A massive statewide manhunt continues in Minnesota for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, the suspect in Saturday’s deadly shootings of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as a separate attack that left state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife wounded. Authorities say Boelter posed as a police officer to gain entry into the victims’ homes and fled the scene after exchanging gunfire with police.
Investigators found a “target list” in Boelter’s abandoned police-style vehicle, naming dozens of Minnesota Democratic officials, including Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Officials have warned the public not to approach Boelter, who is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Law enforcement has focused search efforts in Sibley County, where they discovered a vehicle of interest and personal belongings linked to the suspect.
Boelter, who previously led a private security firm and claimed a military background, is believed to have used a latex mask during the attacks. He allegedly entered the victims’ homes using a fake police vehicle outfitted with emergency lights. While Sen. Hoffman and his wife remain in stable condition after surgery, the double homicide of Rep. Hortman and her husband has rocked Minnesota’s political landscape. Emergency meetings are being held across state agencies as security is tightened for elected officials.
