Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a violent attack, while Sen. Hoffman and his wife are expected to survive. Authorities have identified the suspect as Vance Boelter, 57, and are hunting him as the shooter in what are described as ‘targeted’ attacks on political figures and their families.
As the search for Boelter continues, authorities have released surveillance footage showing him wearing a brown cowboy hat inside a Minneapolis business hours after the attacks, and a second photo revealed a masked gunman wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight outside a home. The attack has raised concerns about political violence and the security of public officials.
Several AK-style guns were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, along with a pile of ‘No Kings’ flyers, an apparent nod to the anti-Trump administration protests sweeping the nation this weekend. Boelter is believed to be armed with a pistol. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. Officials believe Boelter may be trying to flee the area, and he is considered armed and dangerous.
As the community mourns the loss of Hortman and her husband, calls for increased security for political figures have grown louder. Meanwhile, lawmakers and community leaders are expressing their condolences and solidarity with the families of the victims.
Authorities have not yet revealed a possible motive for the violence, which has left many questioning the escalating tensions surrounding political discourse and public safety. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the role of political activism and the potential for violence in the political arena.