New and disturbing information has come out about a recent shooting spree in Minnesota, where a man is accused of killing a state lawmaker and her husband, and injuring another lawmaker and his wife. Authorities say the suspect carefully planned the attacks and carried them out in a horrifying manner.
What Happened
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson, 57-year-old Vance Boelter is accused of murdering former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. He also allegedly shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
Thompson described the crimes as “the stuff of nightmares,” saying Boelter “stalked his victims like prey” and “shot them in cold blood.” Boelter is now facing both federal and state charges, including first-degree murder.
Planned Attacks on Lawmakers
Officials say Boelter didn’t act randomly. He reportedly watched the lawmakers’ homes in advance and even took notes. He visited four different houses on the night of the attacks, but two lawmakers were not home and were unharmed.
At around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Boelter allegedly drove to Senator Hoffman’s house in Champlin, Minnesota. He arrived in a black SUV equipped with fake police lights and a license plate that said “police.” He was dressed in a black tactical vest, body armor, and a realistic mask. Surveillance footage captured him knocking on the door while shouting, “This is the police! Open up!”
When Hoffman and his wife answered, Boelter claimed there was a shooting in the house and asked if they had weapons. The couple quickly realized something was wrong and told him, “You’re not a cop.” That’s when Boelter reportedly forced his way inside, announced a robbery, and shot both Hoffman and his wife during a struggle.
Their daughter immediately called 911.
More Violence Prevented
Just an hour later, Boelter went to another lawmaker’s house in Maple Grove. Fortunately, she and her family were on vacation at the time.
After the Hoffmans were attacked, police rushed to check on Rep. Hortman and her husband in Brooklyn Park. When officers arrived around 3:35 a.m., they saw a suspicious SUV with flashing lights in the driveway. Inside the home, they witnessed a man—dressed like a police officer—shooting through an open door.
Officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who then fled on foot. Investigators believe the police presence may have stopped Boelter from killing others.
Target List Discovered
Authorities later found a chilling list in Boelter’s vehicle outside the Hortmans’ house. The list included the names of many Minnesota Democratic leaders, including Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Manhunt and Arrest
The shootings launched a massive two-day manhunt involving 20 SWAT teams, helicopters, and drones. Boelter was eventually captured late Sunday near his rural property in Green Isle, Minnesota. He was reportedly armed but surrendered peacefully.
This tragedy has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about political safety. Investigators are continuing their work, and Boelter is expected to face trial on multiple serious charges.
For updates, visit the U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Minnesota and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
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