Minnesota Politician Murdered: Manhunt Underway for Suspect
A local Democrat official, Melissa Hortman, was fatally shot in what authorities describe as a politically motivated attack.
On June 14, 2025, a local politician from Minnesota, Melissa Hortman, was killed at her home in Brooklyn Park, an incident labeled by Governor Tim Walz as a "deliberate act of political violence." The attack occurred amid increasing political tensions in the United States, where protests against various government policies have been escalating.
The incident unfolded shortly after 2 a.m. local time when gunfire erupted at the residence of state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in the nearby suburb of Champlin.
Both were injured in the attack and have since undergone surgery, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism for their recovery.
Shortly thereafter, police responded to a report of the attack on the Hoffmans and proceeded to check on Hortman's safety, at which point they encountered the attacker, who opened fire on the police before fleeing the scene.
Authorities identified the primary suspect, Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old white male, who is considered to be "armed and dangerous." A large-scale manhunt involving hundreds of police officers commenced in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.
Police reported that Boelter was last seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat.
Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, requested public assistance in locating the suspect while urging caution.
The investigation revealed that Boelter had left behind a vehicle containing materials relating to anti-Trump protests, including flyers for a demonstration called "No Kings," and a manifesto listing several political figures, among them Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman.
Governor Walz condemned the violence, stating that this incident reflects a broader issue of political violence in the United States.
The attack has occurred in an already heightened atmosphere due to recent military mobilizations in Los Angeles to counter protests against President Trump’s policies.
Such incidents are becoming increasingly common; last year, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was assaulted at their home in California, and former President Trump reportedly survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally.
The political climate remains fraught as the nation grapples with polarization and public dissent.
Plans for large anti-Trump demonstrations coinciding with the recent political violence have been met with strong caution from authorities.
The police have heightened security measures for other officials listed in Boelter's materials, indicating the seriousness of the threat posed by the suspect.
Melissa Hortman was a notable figure in the Minnesota House of Representatives, having served since 2004 and holding the position of Speaker until 2024. She was 55 years old and a mother of two.
Her death is viewed as a significant loss to both her constituents and the broader democratic process in the state.
The incident unfolded shortly after 2 a.m. local time when gunfire erupted at the residence of state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in the nearby suburb of Champlin.
Both were injured in the attack and have since undergone surgery, with Governor Walz expressing cautious optimism for their recovery.
Shortly thereafter, police responded to a report of the attack on the Hoffmans and proceeded to check on Hortman's safety, at which point they encountered the attacker, who opened fire on the police before fleeing the scene.
Authorities identified the primary suspect, Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old white male, who is considered to be "armed and dangerous." A large-scale manhunt involving hundreds of police officers commenced in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis.
Police reported that Boelter was last seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat.
Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, requested public assistance in locating the suspect while urging caution.
The investigation revealed that Boelter had left behind a vehicle containing materials relating to anti-Trump protests, including flyers for a demonstration called "No Kings," and a manifesto listing several political figures, among them Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman.
Governor Walz condemned the violence, stating that this incident reflects a broader issue of political violence in the United States.
The attack has occurred in an already heightened atmosphere due to recent military mobilizations in Los Angeles to counter protests against President Trump’s policies.
Such incidents are becoming increasingly common; last year, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was assaulted at their home in California, and former President Trump reportedly survived an assassination attempt during a campaign rally.
The political climate remains fraught as the nation grapples with polarization and public dissent.
Plans for large anti-Trump demonstrations coinciding with the recent political violence have been met with strong caution from authorities.
The police have heightened security measures for other officials listed in Boelter's materials, indicating the seriousness of the threat posed by the suspect.
Melissa Hortman was a notable figure in the Minnesota House of Representatives, having served since 2004 and holding the position of Speaker until 2024. She was 55 years old and a mother of two.
Her death is viewed as a significant loss to both her constituents and the broader democratic process in the state.