Law enforcement officials are still searching for Vance L. Boelter, the man suspected of killing a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband and wounding another lawmaker and his wife in a “politically motivated” attack on Saturday morning.
Local, state and federal officials are dedicating as many resources as possible to finding Boelter, 57. On Sunday morning, police located the suspect’s vehicle on the side of the highway in Sibley County.
Boelter’s longtime friend and roommate said he was at their shared rental in Minneapolis the night before the shootings and texted him the morning after they occurred.
Officials allege that the suspect impersonated a police officer and went to the home of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark early Saturday morning and fatally shot them.
State sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in a separate attack conducted by a similarly described suspect. Both John and Yvette were rushed into surgery and are recovering.
Law enforcement also discovered writing in the suspect’s car with the names of several Democratic officials and abortion rights supporters.
Key points
- Suspect named as Vance L. Boelter
- Suspect’s vehicle located in Sibley County, according to emergency alert
- Boelter's roommate says suspect texted him: 'I may be dead shortly'
- Wife of shooting suspect was stopped by police in vehicle on Saturday
- Who is Rep. Melissa Hortman?
- Who is Sen. John Hoffman?
John Hoffman shot nine times and 'is closer every hour to being out of the wood,' wife tells Amy Klobuchar
00:40 , Alex WoodwardMinnesota state Sen. John Hoffman was shot nine times and “is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” his wife Yvette told Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Yvette Hoffman was shot eight times, she said. They are both “incredibly lucky to be alive.”
Just received this encouraging update from Senator Hoffman's wife, Yvette, on their recovery in the hospital. Grateful for their progress and will continue to keep them in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/ZE4bFe7Kup
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 15, 2025
The Minnesota manhunt, by the numbers
00:20 , Josh Marcus
Police in Minnesota continue to hunt for a gunman accused of shooting two state lawmakers and their spouses.
The search has broadened into a nationwide manhunt, with suspect Vance L. Boelter facing state and national warrants.
Here’s more on the investigation, by the numbers
- Over 100 law enforcement officers involved, including police from Brooklyn Park, Hennepin County, Champlin, as well as the FBI, ATF, and the US Marshals
- Over 400 tips called into law enforcement
- Over 24 hours since early morning shootings took place, and police still have not located suspect
Police call on community not to 'speculate' about Minnesota shootings
23:56 , Josh Marcus
Minnesota officials are calling on those following the police search for Vance L. Boelter not to get ahead of official information or share unverified conspiracies.
“I would encourage everyone online and in our communities to not speculate,” Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said during a Sunday press conference.
“We often want easy answers to complex questions,” Evans added, but urged the public to allow the investigative process to play out.
Local leaders remember 'remarkable individuals' targeted in shooting
23:47 , Josh MarcusOfficials from Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, are paying tribute to the state lawmakers and their families targeted in Saturday’s shootings.
Mayor Ryan Sabas of Champlin said the lawmakers were “remarkable individuals who have devoted their lives to serving others.”
“Now more than ever we must truly focus on what matters,” he added. “Beneath all our differences — personal, political, or otherwise — we are all human beings, and every human life has value.”
Mayor Hollies Winston or Brooklyn Park added that the slain Rep. Melissa Hortman had “such an impact on unifying our communities and bringing them together.”
Watch: Officials provide update on hunt for Vance Luther Boelter
23:29 , Josh Marcus
Minnesota law enforcement officials are about to provide a public update on the manhunt for Vance Luther Boelter, who is suspected of shooting a pair of state lawmakers and their spouses this weekend
We’ll be following all the details live.
You can watch the press conference here, via the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Suspected shooter's car towed away
23:20 , Ariana BaioThe abandoned vehicle that law enforcement officials identified as the suspected shooter’s car has been towed away from the side of the highway where it was discovered.
Minnesota suspected shooter’s roommate claims he was ‘not as upbeat’
23:00 , Ariana BaioA man who lived with Vance Luther Boelter, suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses on Saturday, said his lifelong friend had been “down” lately after returning from a trip.
Read more here:
Suspected Minnesota shooter’s friend says he was ‘not as upbeat’ after recent trip
Boelter spoke with his roommate night before shootings
22:30 , Ariana BaioVance Boelter, the man police have named as a suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, spoke with his roommate the night before the attacks.
David Carlson, Boelter’s longtime friend and roommate, said he spoke with Boelter around 7 p.m. on Friday and that Boelter was going to sleep because he had to wake up early.
Although a website for a private security firm in Minnesota lists Boelter as its “director of security patrols,” Carlson said that was just a “goal” and not Boelter’s main job.
Boelter was working for a job where he extracted eyeballs from cadavers for organ donations.
Friend says suspected shooter was a born-again Christian
22:00 , Ariana BaioDavid Carlson, the friend and roommate of the suspected shooter, Vance Boelter, told the Washington Post that his friend would preach about Jesus in parks.
“He was just trying to spread the word about Jesus,” Carlson said.
Carlson said Boelter became a born-again Christian when the two were in high school.
He said Boelter strongly opposed abortion but that his friend did not speak much about politics.
Officials to provide an update at 5:30 pm CT
21:29 , Ariana BaioMinnesota law enforcement officials will provide a public update on their search for the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at 5:30 p.m. Central Time (6:30 p.m. ET.)
Authorities searching for suspect in area where vehicle was found
21:14 , Ariana BaioA large presence of law enforcement officials at every level is currently searching the area where they discovered Vance Boelter’s unoccupied vehicle this morning in Minnesota.
Parked on the side of the highway are at least half a dozen police cars, several armed vehicles, and some SWAT trucks.
Police have asked residents in the area to keep doors locked and be on the lookout for Boelter, who is on the run after killing a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband and wounding another state lawmaker and his wife.
National Abortion Federation says they’re providing ‘additional security’ to partners in Minnesota
21:00 , Ariana BaioA spokesperson for the National Abortion Federation said they are working with members in Minnesota to provide “additional security” while the suspected gunman is still at large.
The suspect, who police have named Vance Boelter, was reportedly anti-abortion and created a manifesto and list that named pro-choice legislators, officials, and organizations.
“NAF has been tracking incidents of violence and disruption against abortion providers for 45 years, and this targeting of providers is unfortunately not new,” Melissa Fowler, the Chief Program Officer, said in a statement.
“The harassment and violence targeting physicians, nurses, clinic staff, and the people they care for is yet another form of hate and fear-mongering inflicted by white supremacists and far-right extremists.”
“NAF will do everything within our power to ensure abortion providers have the resources, trainings, and security support so that they can continue to provide quality, evidence-based abortion care to their communities.”
Investigators are confident they’ll find suspect
20:34 , Ariana BaioInvestigators are currently searching for the suspected gunman accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, but they are “absolutely” confident that they will find him.
“The number of agencies and officers and agents that are dedicated to this case, I’m very confident that we’re going to be able to successfully get this to an end,” Travis Riddle, the special agent in charge of the ATF in St. Paul field division, told Fox News on Sunday.
Riddle said there is no indication as of now that the suspected gunman is getting help from others to evade law enforcement but that they’re “exploring all avenues.
Watch: Police search for suspect in Minnesota shooting
20:01 , Ariana BaioSuspect went back to Minneapolis home after shooting, roommate says
19:45 , Ariana BaioA man who identified himself as one of Vance Boelter’s roommates said the suspected gunman went to their shared rental in Minneapolis around 6 a.m. on Saturday – hours after the second shooting occurred.
The man told the Washington Post, that he was able to tell Boelter returned after reviewing home security footage.
Mourners leave flowers in memory of Melissa Hortman at state Capitol
19:20 , Ariana Baio
11 Wisconsin lawmakers named in gunman’s manifesto
19:00 , Ariana BaioThe gunman suspected of shooting two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses reportedly left a manifesto and list behind containing the names of other Democratic lawmakers, including 11 Wisconsin legislators.
The Wisconsin legislators named were all Democrats, eight women and three men, a source told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Wisconsin state Senator Brad Pfaff told the Journal Sentinel it was “shocking” to be on such a list.
"I don't understand the level of anger that would lead to such a violent outburst that took place today in the Twin Cities, and I don't understand why state legislators here in Wisconsin would also be on such a list,” Pfaff said.
Pfaff’s name was reportedly not on the list,
Wife of suspect is ‘in shock’ after husband named as suspect
18:30 , Ariana BaioJenny Boelter, the wife of suspected gunman Vance Boelter, was “in shock” after finding out her husband was named a main suspect in connection with the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, a friend said.
A man who says he was roommates with Vance Boelter told the Washington Post that he spoke with Jenny on Saturday evening over the phone and that she was “just in shock.”
Belonging found on side of the road in Sibley County: report
18:10 , Ariana BaioA cowboy hat and vehicle of interest, possibly belonging to Vance Boelter, were found along the side of the road in Sibley County, according to KARE 11.
An emergency alert was issued to locals in Sibley County indicating the suspect’s vehicle was spotted in the area.
Gov Tim Walz honors Melissa Hortman
18:00 , Ariana BaioMinnesota Governor Tim Walz honored Melissa Hortman’s memory on Sunday, calling her “The most consequential Speaker in state history.”
The most consequential Speaker in state history. pic.twitter.com/LRIZuNwxiM
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 15, 2025
Trump says he ‘may’ call Governor Tim Walz
17:45 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump is considering calling Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, ABC News reported on Sunday.
When asked by reporter Rachel Scott if he planned to reach out to the governor after a state lawmaker was fatally shot by a gunman, Trump said:
"Well, it's a terrible thing. I think he's a terrible governor. I think he's a grossly incompetent person. But I may, I may call him, I may call other people too.”
Suspect’s vehicle located in Sibley County, according to emergency alert
17:45 , Ariana BaioA localized emergency alert sent by the Sibley County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday said the suspected shooter’s vehicle was located near Minnesota Highway 25 and 301 Avenue in Faxon Township.
“Law enforcement will be going to the area residences to ask to search properties,” the alert read.
Sibley County is approximately 35 miles SouthWest of Minneapolis.
Melissa and Mark Hortman helped raise and train veteran service dog
17:31 , Ariana BaioMinnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, helped raise and train a service dog for a veteran.
Helping Paws Inc., a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans, first responders, and people living with disabilities, posted a tribute to the two, praising their work.
“Melissa served her community in more ways than one. She was a Helping Paws Foster Home Trainer, a neighbor, and a friend. The Hortman family raised and trained Minnie, who is now a working service dog partnered with a Veteran,” Helping Paws wrote on Facebook.
“They also helped raise and train Gilbert, a service dog in training who was eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to their families, their loved ones, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We remember Melissa for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world better—both in public office and through her work with Helping Paws.”
GoFundMe raises more than $37,000 for John and Yvette Hoffman
17:07 , Ariana BaioThe community around Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, have rallied around them to raise more than $37,000 to support their recoveries from a shooting on Saturday morning.
A GoFundMe, started by the Fernbrook Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, is asking people close to the two to help with their medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and needed security measures.
Yvette is a Kindergarten Education Support Professional at the school, according to Fernbrook.
Wife of shooting suspect was stopped by police in vehicle on Saturday
16:45 , Ariana BaioJenny Boelter, the wife of Vance L. Boelter, who is currently a suspect in connection with the shootings, was stopped by local police while traveling in a vehicle on Saturday
Police in Mille Lacs County stopped Jenny, who was found traveling with three other family members, off of Highway 169 in Onamia – nearly 110 miles from her home in Green Isle.
The stop occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday, County Sheriff Kyle Burton told the Minnesota Star Tribune.
“Deputies from my office responded with law enforcement from Hennepin County, and our role on this was [securing a] perimeter, so we were not involved in searching or questioning those who were in the car. I was told that the suspect’s wife and other relatives were in the car. My understanding is they were detained by authorities from Hennepin, and the individuals who were in the car were taken from the scene by Hennepin County law enforcement.”
The Independent has asked officials if Jenny was in police custody as of Sunday morning.
Members of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were named on suspect’s list
16:21 , Ariana BaioAmong the list of people named on the suspect’s list were members of the Minnesota section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, according to the Washington Post.
The suspect, Vance L. Boelter was reportedly extremely anti-abortion and had created a manifesto and list of pro-choice people, organizations, and officials.
A spokesperson for the association confirmed to The Post that members were included on the list.
Others named on the list included Planned Parenthood.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith named on suspect’s list
15:51 , Ariana BaioSenator Tim Smith of Minnesota, a Democrat, was one of the names found on the suspected gunman’s list, her press secretary confirmed to the Washington Post.
“It’s a terrible thing that public servants have to worry about their personal safety in such a tangible and scary way,” Smith told NPR.
Minnesota Senator issued tighter security after ‘politically motivated’ shooting
15:14 , Ariana BaioSenator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said she has been issued more security without her request after two state lawmakers were the targets of a “politically motivated” shooting.
Speaking with Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, Klobuchar said law enforcement officials are “concerned about everyone” after discovering a list of politicians, officials, and others in the suspect’s vehicle.
“I just know that they have added security without my request,” Klobuchar said on Sunday.
“I think people have to understand that this guy is a murderous, murderous man. He will know no limits, whether you're on the list, whether you're not. He may change what he's focused on, and that's what we're most concerned about right now, is that the next person, not a political person, but a person he just encounters?” Klobuchar said.
Klobuchar said not only was there a list of prominent Democrats and other officials in the suspect’s vehicle, but also a manifesto.
Law enforcement continue to search for suspect
14:36 , Ariana BaioMore than 24 hours after a gunman shot two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, law enforcement officials are still looking for the suspect, who they’ve named as Vance L. Boelter.
Police say he is white, approximately 6’1,” and 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Melissa and Mark Hortman died of 'multiple' gunshot wounds
14:00 , Ariana BaioThe Hennepin County Medical Examiner said Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark Hortman, both died of “multiple gunshot wounds.”
In a press release, the medical examiner confirmed the Hortmans died as a result of the fatal shooting on Saturday morning but provided limited information beyond that.
The medical examiner listed both deaths as homicides.
ICYMI: Suspect may have had access to ‘police type vehicles’
13:00 , Ariana BaioVance Boelter, the man whom law enforcement has identified as a suspect in connection with the shooting of Democratic lawmakers and their spouses, may have had access to “police type vehicles,” according to his workplace’s website.
Boelter is listed as the director of security patrols for a Minnesota residential armed security company called Praetorian Guard Security Services.
On Praetorian Guard Security’s website, it says the company uses “the same make and model of vehicles that many police departments use in the U.S.”
Investigators said Boelter was posing as a police officer when he fatally shot State Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman on Saturday.
Trump promises to prosecute ‘anyone involved’ in shooting
12:00 , Ariana BaioPresident Donald Trump said he has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate and prosecute “anyone” involved in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday.
“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
Friend of suspected gunman says he was ‘the nicest guy’
11:00 , Ariana BaioDavid Carlson, a longtime friend of Vance Boelter, the suspected gunman, said it was unbelievable that the person he had known for 50 years could have committed such a crime.
“He was just the nicest guy,” Carlson told reporters on Saturday. “I mean, I can’t believe this has all happened.”
Boelter and Carlson have been friends since the fourth grade. Boelter rented a room from Carlson occasionally to be closer to his workplace at a private security company.
“He paid for four months of rent in advance, and said I was his best friend and that he loves me,” Carlson recalled. “I thanked him for that, our friendship, and everything.”
Carlson was visibly emotional while speaking with reporters about the text message he received from his friend after the shootings took place.
Yvette Hoffman ‘threw herself’ onto her daughter to protect her
10:00 , Ariana BaioThe nephew of Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman said on Facebook that his aunt threw herself on her daughter to protect her from gunfire.
Mat Ollig said Yvette sustained five gunshot wounds while “using her body as a shield” to save her daughter’s life after a suspect, dressed as a police officer, came to their door and fired shots at them on Saturday.
“These two are the kindest, most giving and caring people I know,” Ollig wrote on Facebook.
Ollig said both John and Yvette were out of surgery and “recovering.”
Catch up on the latest
09:00 , Ariana BaioVance Boelter, the 57-year-old man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at their homes, allegedly had a hit list of prominent Democratic lawmakers in his SUV, an official told The Independent.
Erin Keller reports:
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‘Political’ shooting kills MN lawmaker; another hurt, suspect named
Amy Klobuchar dined with Melissa Hortman hours before fatal shooting
08:00 , Ariana BaioMinnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar dined with her friend, Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman, just hours before she was fatally shot at her home.
Klobuchar told POLITICO that Governor Tim Walz called her around 5 a.m. to deliver the tragic news.
“I wish everyone had known her like we knew her,” Klobuchar told POLITICO. “I was there when she was doorknocking in the beginning. … I was in county office and she was seeking the legislative office.”
Klobuchar has known Hortman for decades. Hortman was elected in 2004 to the Minnesota House of Representatives while Klobuchar was elected Hennepin County attorney in 1998. She recalled to POLITICO how “skilled” a legislator Hortman was – able to balance public service while leading a Girl Scout troop, raising two children, and teaching Sunday school at a local Catholic church.
Read what the suspect texted his friends after the shootings
07:00 , Ariana BaioVance Boelter texted his roommate, David Carlson, and his friend, Ron Ramsey, that he “may be dead shortly” on Saturday morning, after two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot.
Boelter has been identified as a suspect in connection to the fatal shooting of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the shooting of Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
Carlson, 59, read the text message that he received at 6:17 a.m. aloud to reporters on Saturday.
“David and Ron, I love you guys. I made some choices, and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. I don’t want to say anything more and implicate you in any way because you guys don’t know anything about this. But I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”
Minnesota congressional delegation denounces political violence in joint statement
06:00 , Ariana BaioThe entire Minnesota congressional delegation released a joint statement mourning the loss of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark as well as condemning the political violence that likely motivated the attack.
“Today we speak with one voice to express our outrage, grief, and condemnation of this horrible attack on public servants,” the statement read.
“There is no place in our democracy for politically-motivated violence. We are praying for JOhn and Yvette’s recovery and we grieve the loss of Melissa and Mark with their family, colleagesues, and Minnesotans across the state.”
“We are grateful for law enforcement’s swift response to the situation and continued efforts.”
The statement was signed by Democratic Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar, Democratic Representatives Angie Craig, Kelly Morrison, Betty McCollum, and Ilhan Omar, as well as Republican Representatives Brad Finstad, Tom Emmer, Michelle Fischbach, and Pete Stauber.
Small memorial for Melissa Hortman at state Capitol
05:00 , Ariana BaioMourners have left flowers and signs in honor of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, after the two were fatally shot on Saturday.
Hoffman's neighbor recounts hearing gunshots at 2 a.m.
04:47 , Ariana BaioClarence Shaffer, the neighbor of John and Yvette Hoffman, told NBC News he was awake at 2 a.m. on Saturday when he heard gunshots ring out next door.
Shaffer said he rushed out the door to see what was happening and saw a “dark black” car backing out of the Hoffmans’ driveway.
“And as he backed out, he turned his headlights on and put the police lights on. And I thought, 'What the heck's a cop leaving the scene after the gunshots?'" Shaffer told NBC News.
The neighbor said police arrived at the scene shortly after and questioned his account of the car.
"I said, 'Listen to me, pal, I'm not blind,” Shaffer said.
Law enforcement believes the suspect, Vance Boelter, posed as a police officer.
Nephew of John and Yvette Hoffman says they are 'stable'
04:15 , Ariana BaioThe nephew of Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette told the Star Tribune that his uncle and aunt were in “stable condition.”
As of Saturday evening, Yvette Hoffman was “alert and awake,” Mat Ollig, the nephew, told the newspaper.
They were still waiting for John to wake up earlier in the evening.
ICYMI: An emotional Tim Walz gives update at press conference about the two State lawmakers
03:45 , Rhian LubinPictured: Bullet holes mark the door of State Sen. John Hoffman
03:15 , Rhian LubinBullet holes are scattered across the front door of the home of State Senator John Hoffman, who is recovering in the hospital along with his wife.
Boelter's roomate claims suspect texted him: 'I may be dead shortly'
02:45 , Rhian LubinVance Boelter’s roommate claims that the suspect sent him and another friend a text message at 6:17 a.m. Saturday that he “may be dead shortly.”
David Carlson, who said he has been friends with the suspect for 50 years, read the messages aloud to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
“I made some choices, and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while,” the suspect allegedly said to his friends.
“May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way.
“I don’t want to say anything more and implicate you in any way because you guys don’t know anything about this. But I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”
Police busted into the house Carlson shared with Boelter and searched it for clues, he told the newspaper.
Recap: Everything we know so far
02:15 , Rhian LubinIf you’re just joining us, here’s a brief recap of what has happened so far:
- Law enforcement is still hunting for the suspect, who they have identified as Vance L. Boelter.
- The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for any information leading to his arrest and conviction.
- Flags will fly at half-mast in remembrance of State Senator Melissa Hortman.
- There is no update on the condition of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, who were shot at a separate address, but Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said that he was “cautiously optimistic” they would survive.
- The couple are out of surgery and receiving care, Walz added.
Who are the Minnesota lawmakers shot in targeted attacks at their homes?
02:00 , Rhian LubinMelissa Hortman, a Democrat and former Speaker of the Minnesota House who died in the shooting, “was a formidable public servant,” Governor Tim Walz said of his friend.
“She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place,” he continued. “She is irreplaceable.”
Hortman, 55, who was in her 11th term, was elected to the Minnesota Legislature in 2004. She is married and has two children.
John Hoffman, who is currently recovering from surgery in the hospital after the shooting, is a Democratic State Senator first elected in 2012.
He represents Minnesota Senate District 34, which covers a swath of the northwest Twin Cities suburbs, including Rogers and Champlin.
Andrea Cavallier has more.
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Everything we know after two Minnesota lawmakers were targeted in shooting
Governor Tim Walz says Minnesota's flags will fly at half mast
01:00 , Rhian LubinMinnesota’s flags will fly at half staff in honor and remembrance of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025
She woke up every morning determined to make Minnesota a better place, and she will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com/rat6kNwfpH
Anti-abortion group condemned the shootings
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:38 , Alex LangThe state’s largest anti-abortion group, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, condemned the shootings.
“His actions are completely antithetical to the mission of MCCL and the pro-life movement,” the statement read. “MCCL has always worked peacefully to advance protections for the vulnerable, and has always deplored and unequivocally condemned violence.”
Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy remembers victims
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:25 , Alex Lang“I am wrecked. I am devastated by the assassination of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the horrific attack on John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. This is an unspeakably tragic day for Minnesotans, especially the many of us fortunate enough to know them personally.
We are anxiously awaiting updates about the condition of the Hoffmans. John is one of Minnesota’s great champions for people in need. We are grateful to the law enforcement officers, and the doctors and nurses, who saved and are caring for them. Our prayers are with the Hoffmans and their loved ones.
Melissa Hortman was a giant and a fierce leader. She made Minnesota a better place to live. Her commitment has saved and improved lives. I will miss her, her mirthful eyes, her sharp humor and her partnership. My heart breaks for her House colleagues and staff. My heart breaks for all of us.
We are in contact with our Senate members and staff and are working with law enforcement and the administration to ensure their safety. We will update the public with more information as it becomes available.”
Trump describes shootings as 'absolutely terrible'
Sunday 15 June 2025 00:13 , Alex LangPresident Donald Trump was asked about the shootings as he headed to the military parade in Washington, D.C.
“Absolutely terrible, absolutely terrible and they’re looking for that particular man right now,” he said.
Vance Boelter reportedly texted his roommates before the alleged attack
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:58 , Alex LangThe suspect in the shooting of Minnesota lawmakers reportedly texted his roommates before the alleged shootings.
“I made some bad choices, I may be dead soon,” Vance Boelter wrote, according to Fox 9.
Boelter rented a room at the small houses in Minneapolis, his roommates said.
The roommate said he has known Boelter for four decades and he didn’t express strong political views.
FBI urge public to come forward with information: 'No detail is too small'
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:40 , Ariana BaioThe FBI in Minneapolis is urging members of the public who have any information that could lead to Boelter’s arrest to come forward, saying “no detail is too small.”
“This was a deliberate and violent attack on public servants and their families,” Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr. said in a statement.
“We are working with our law enforcement partners and using every available resource to locate and apprehend Vance Boelter. We urge anyone with information to come forward – no detail is too small. The public’s vigilance is critical in bringing this individual to justice.”
Suspect may have had access to ‘police type vehicles’
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:15 , Ariana BaioVance Boelter, the man whom law enforcement has identified as a suspect in connection with the shooting of Democratic lawmakers and their spouses, may have had access to “police type vehicles,” according to his workplace’s website.
Boelter is listed as the director of security patrols for a Minnesota residential armed security company called Praetorian Guard Security Services.
On Praetorian Guard Security’s website, it says the company uses “the same make and model of vehicles that many police departments use in the U.S.”
Investigators said Boelter was posing as a police officer when he fatally shot State Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman on Saturday.
Suspect posed as a police officer and wore a costume face mask during shooting
Saturday 14 June 2025 23:00 , Ariana Baio
Medical examiner says Melissa and Mark Hortman died of 'multiple' gunshot wounds
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:50 , Ariana BaioThe Hennepin County Medical Examiner said Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark Hortman, both died of “multiple gunshot wounds.”
In a press release, the medical examiner confirmed the Hortmans died as a result of the fatal shooting on Saturday morning but provided limited information beyond that.
FBI offering $50,000 for information leading to suspect's arrest
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:35 , Ariana BaioThe FBI said they’re offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the “arrest and conviction” of Vance L. Boelter, the man identified as the main suspect in the assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman.
Local, state, and federal law enforcement are currently searching for Boelter who is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information can call the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-225-5324 or the BCA at 1-877-996-6222, or send an email to: bca.tips@state.mn.us.
Minneapolis PD help SWAT execute search warrant linked to lawmakers’ shooting
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:25 , Erin KellerThe Minneapolis Police Department assisted the SWAT Team Saturday afternoon in executing a search warrant at a residence on 49th and Fremont Avenue North connected to the lawmakers’ shooting, a spokesperson confirmed to The Independent.
Photos of suspect Vance Boelter
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:11 , Erin Keller
Gov. Walz may have appointed suspect to unpaid Workforce Board in 2019
Saturday 14 June 2025 22:06 , Erin KellerThere are reports that Gov. Tim Walz appointed shooting suspect Vance Boelter in 2019 to serve a four-year stint on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.
The Workforce Development Board has about 60 people on it. These are unpaid, external boards that the legislature creates. They are not appointments to a position in the governor’s cabinet.
Walz's office told The Independent that they appoint thousands of people from all parties to these boards and commissions.
MN Gov. Walz spoke with VP Vance about attacks: source
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:56 , Erin Keller and Eric GarciaFrom a source close to Gov. Walz: Governor Walz spoke with Vice President Vance about the targeted attacks in Minnesota. The Governor expressed appreciation for the ongoing coordination between federal law enforcement and Minnesota public safety officials.
— Eric Michael Garcia (@EricMGarcia) June 14, 2025
Suspect’s hit list targets pro-choice MN democrats: source
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:47 , Erin Keller and Eric GarciaAn official who has seen the suspect’s hit list tells The Independent that it targets prominent pro-choice individuals in Minnesota, including many Democratic lawmakers who have been outspoken about pro-choice policy positions.
No update on Hoffmans' condition
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:36 , Erin KellerOfficials did not have a health update on Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, during Saturday’s second press conference.
The pair was shot early Saturday morning and underwent surgery in the hospital due to their injuries.
Suspect had 'some overlap' with Hoffman before shooting
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:33 , Erin KellerOfficials said suspect Vance Boelter had “some overlap” with Sen. Hoffman in public settings.
“There's certainly some overlap with some public meetings, with Sen. Hoffman and the individual, but we don't know the nature of the relationship or if they actually knew each other,” they said during Saturday’s second press conference.
Shooting suspect is still on the loose
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:20 , Erin KellerSuspect Vance Boelter has still not been located, law enforcement said Saturday afternoon.
Officials caught him on security camera footage from a business in Minneapolis earlier in the day.
Boelter has brown hair and brown eyes. He stands at 6’1” and weighs 220 pounds.
Law enforcement share photos of suspect
Saturday 14 June 2025 21:15 , Erin Keller
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety shared photos of shooting suspect Vance Luther Boelter, 57.
Boelter was last seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, a dark-colored long-sleeved collared coat, and light pants.
