🗓️ June 14, 2025 – Targeted Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers

Key Points

• A Minnesota lawmaker, Melissa Hortman, and her husband were killed in a politically motivated attack on June 13, 2025.
• Another lawmaker, John Hoffman, and his wife were injured, and both are recovering.
• The suspect, Vance Boelter, is still at large, and the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
• The attacks targeted Democratic lawmakers, raising concerns about political violence.

Incident Details
On June 13, 2025, a series of targeted shootings occurred in Minnesota, resulting in the death of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark at their home in Brooklyn Park. State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot at their home in Champlin and are currently recovering in the hospital. The attacks are described as politically motivated, targeting members of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

Suspect and Manhunt
The suspect, Vance L. Boelter, aged 57, is still at large as of June 15, 2025, at 01:05 AM PDT. He is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities believe he impersonated a law enforcement officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction, and the public is urged to call 911 if they see him but not to approach.

FBI and Law Enforcement Response
The FBI, along with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Brooklyn Park Police Department, Champlin Police Department, and other agencies, are actively searching for Boelter. A manifesto found in his vehicle listed names of lawmakers and officials, indicating the targeted nature of the attacks.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of Minnesota Lawmaker Assassination as of June 15, 2025

This note provides a detailed examination of the recent politically motivated assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker, covering the incident, victims, suspect, and law enforcement response, based on information from reputable sources such as NBC News, USA Today, and official statements from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The analysis aims to offer a thorough understanding of the event as of 01:05 AM PDT on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Incident Overview

On June 13, 2025, a series of targeted shootings occurred in Minnesota, described by authorities as “politically motivated assassinations.” The attacks targeted Democratic lawmakers and their families, specifically at their homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin. This event has raised significant concerns about political violence in the United States, with law enforcement mobilizing extensive resources to address the threat.

Victims and Impact

The shootings resulted in the following casualties and injuries:

• State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park. Melissa Hortman was a prominent Democratic leader, and a makeshift memorial has been set up at the Minnesota State Capitol, including flowers and signs such as “Rest in Power” and “RIP Melissa Hortman.”
• State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman were shot at their home in Champlin, approximately 5 miles away from the Hortmans’ residence. Both were hospitalized with severe injuries but are reported to be recovering, with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz expressing cautious optimism about their survival.

The impact on the community has been profound, with memorials and public statements reflecting the loss and the ongoing threat to public servants. The attacks have also prompted discussions on security measures for lawmakers, given the targeted nature of the violence.

Suspect Profile: Vance L. Boelter

The suspect, Vance L. Boelter, is a 57-year-old man described as 6-foot-1, with brown hair, weighing approximately 220 pounds, and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, a dark long-sleeve collared shirt or coat, light pants, and carrying a dark bag. Authorities believe he impersonated a law enforcement officer, wearing a vest, blue long-sleeve shirt, and what appeared to be a badge, to gain access to the victims’ homes.

Additional details about Boelter include:

• He is the CEO of the Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a security firm linked to his wife.
• Boelter served on the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board, appointed in 2016 by then-Gov. Mark Dayton and reappointed in 2019 by Gov. Tim Walz, where he worked alongside State Sen. John Hoffman.
• A manifesto was discovered in his vehicle, listing names of lawmakers and other officials, including high-profile Democrats such as Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison, indicating a broader target list.

Boelter’s background includes work in security and as a pastor, and he posted on LinkedIn in 2019 urging people to vote, suggesting an interest in electoral outcomes. Authorities have released photos, including one showing him at a victim’s home dressed as a police officer and another in a cowboy hat from surveillance footage at a Minneapolis home where he rented a room part-time.

Manhunt and Law Enforcement Response

As of June 15, 2025, at 01:05 AM PDT, Vance Boelter remains at large, and a manhunt is ongoing. The FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), Brooklyn Park Police Department, Champlin Police Department, and other local and state law enforcement agencies are involved in the search. Key actions include:

• The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Boelter’s arrest and conviction, as announced in a press release on June 13, 2025, by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
• Authorities have searched a north Minneapolis home on the 4800 block of Fremont Avenue, where Boelter lived part-time, and recovered evidence such as the manifesto.
• Boelter texted roommates around 6 a.m. on June 14, 2025, saying, “I made some bad choices, I may be dead soon,” indicating potential danger and his awareness of the situation.
• Law enforcement believes Boelter may be trying to leave the Twin Cities area and has urged the public to call 911 immediately if they see him, emphasizing that he should be considered “armed and dangerous.”

The FBI has released images from home security video showing Boelter at one of the lawmakers’ homes, wearing a realistic latex mask and police-like tactical gear, further highlighting the premeditated nature of the attacks.

Comparative Analysis: Key Events and Their Implications

To organize the information, the following table summarizes the major aspects of the event, including victims, suspect details, and law enforcement actions:

This table highlights the complexity of the case, from the victims’ profiles to the extensive law enforcement response, and underscores the ongoing threat posed by the suspect.

Legislative and Social Implications

The assassination has sparked discussions on political violence, particularly against Democratic lawmakers. The discovery of a manifesto with a list of targets, including prominent figures, has led to increased security measures for other officials. Gov. Tim Walz and other leaders have urged the public to avoid political rallies until the suspect is apprehended, reflecting the heightened state of alert.

The event also raises questions about the intersection of political activism and violence, with Boelter’s background in security and politics adding layers to the investigation. His appointments to state boards suggest possible insider knowledge, which authorities are likely exploring as part of their motive analysis.

Conclusion

The assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and the related shootings represent a significant incident of political violence, with ongoing implications for security and public safety. As of June 15, 2025, at 01:05 AM PDT, Vance Boelter remains at large, and the FBI’s reward offer underscores the urgency of apprehending him. The detailed response from law enforcement, combined with public vigilance, is critical in resolving this case and addressing the broader concerns it has raised.