A sweeping manhunt is underway across Minnesota and surrounding states for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, identified as the armed suspect in the targeted shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers. The attacks—described by state and national leaders as a politically motivated assassination—have shaken the state’s political landscape and ignited national concern over domestic extremism and impersonation of law enforcement. Authorities say Boelter posed as a police officer in a vehicle rigged with flashing lights to carry out the early-morning ambushes.
A Political Assassination? Details of Vance Boelter Attacks
At approximately 2:00 a.m. in Champlin, Minnesota, gunfire erupted at the residence of State Senator John Hoffman. Hoffman and his wife were both struck and rushed to the hospital. After emergency surgery, both are now reported to be in stable condition. Authorities say Boelter was dressed as a tactical officer and gained access to the property by impersonating law enforcement.
Just over an hour later, at 3:35 a.m., Vance Boelter allegedly arrived at the Brooklyn Park home of State Representative Melissa Hortman. Unlike the first attack, officers had already been dispatched to Hortman’s residence after identifying a pattern. Boelter exchanged fire with police before fleeing the scene. Tragically, Hortman and her husband were found shot and declared dead.
Tactical Disguise and Alarming Evidence
Vance Boelter is said to have approached both homes in a vehicle outfitted with emergency sirens and police lights. He was dressed in tactical gear, complete with a badge, Taser, and body armor. Inside the vehicle, investigators recovered a manifesto that appeared to outline a coordinated hit list—over 70 names in all—consisting mostly of Democratic legislators, abortion providers, and civil rights advocates.
Among the most disturbing materials found were documents labeled “No Kings,” signaling a potential ideological motive linked to anti-authoritarian, anti-Trump protest networks. The phrase has now become central to the investigation, given its repeated presence throughout the suspect’s vehicle and digital footprint.
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Assassination in Blue: Gunman, Vance Boelter Uses Fake Badge to Hunt Democratic Officials
Once a trusted public advisor, Vance Boelter’s resume includes multiple appointments to Minnesota’s Workforce Development Council. He was originally appointed in 2016 by then-Governor Mark Dayton and reappointed by Governor Tim Walz in 2019. His term ended in 2023. He also held a prominent private-sector role as a security consultant with Praetorian Guard Security Services, an agency operating in volatile regions such as Gaza, where Boelter reportedly conducted operations.
Despite this decorated public service history, friends and former colleagues report that Boelter had grown increasingly radical in recent years. Some describe his shift as “alarming” and marked by distrust of institutions and vocal disdain for federal authority.
National Reaction and Leadership Response
Governor Tim Walz swiftly condemned the attacks, calling them “a politically motivated assassination and an unspeakable tragedy.” Walz activated the Minnesota State Emergency Operations Center and urged heightened caution for elected officials across the state.
President Trump issued a statement from the White House condemning the violence and commending first responders for their quick action. “This attack on public servants is an attack on America itself,” he stated. Former President Joe Biden also weighed in, urging national unity and denouncing political extremism. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called the events “heartbreaking and horrifying,” emphasizing the dangers elected officials increasingly face in a polarized political climate.
Security Alerts and Cancelled Demonstrations
In response to Boelter’s references to the “No Kings” movement, several nationwide anti-Trump demonstrations scheduled for the weekend were canceled over security concerns. Organizers cited the threat of impersonated law enforcement and potential copycat attacks.
Law enforcement agencies have issued urgent bulletins urging residents to verify any officer’s identity who appears at their door. Police now operate in identifiable pairs, and 911 operators have been authorized to confirm badge numbers in real-time.
The Hunt Continues: “Armed and Dangerous”
Vance Boelter remains at large and is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Surveillance footage last placed him in Minneapolis wearing dark clothing and a cowboy hat. The FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension are working jointly in the ongoing manhunt.
Authorities are canvassing neighborhoods, analyzing digital communication records, and urging anyone with relevant information to contact law enforcement. “We are throwing every resource at this,” said BCA Commissioner Drew Evans. “The safety of our public officials and our democracy itself is at stake.”
A State on Edge, A Nation on Watch
As Minnesota reels from one of its most violent political episodes in modern history, questions loom over how Vance Boelter’s plan developed unnoticed and what ideological forces may have inspired his attack. While authorities continue their pursuit, elected officials across the country are reassessing security protocols.
What began as a terrifying midnight assault has now become a chilling reflection of America’s volatile political climate—one where badges can be forged, trust in institutions manipulated, and violence used as a substitute for dissent.
