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In one of the most alarming cases of political violence in recent U.S. history, authorities say a Minnesota man disguised as a police officer murdered a Democratic state lawmaker and wounded another in a targeted rampage fueled by a hit list of 45 elected officials, all Democrats.
The suspect, Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday night after what police described as “the largest manhunt in state history.” According to authorities, Boelter went to the homes of multiple lawmakers intending to kill them, wearing tactical gear and a realistic police disguise.
“Political assassinations are rare. They strike at the very core of our democracy,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson. “These crimes are the stuff of nightmares.”
Targeted Attack on Public Servants
Authorities say Boelter began his rampage early Saturday morning by killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home. Shortly before, he had shot and critically wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their residence in nearby Champlin.
Yvette Hoffman, in a statement shared with Sen. Amy Klobuchar, said her husband was “hit by nine bullets” and was undergoing multiple surgeries. She herself was shot eight times. “We are incredibly lucky to be alive,” she wrote.
Boelter, dressed in blue with black body armor, used a 9mm handgun and drove a black SUV outfitted with flashing emergency lights and a fake police plate. He banged on doors in the middle of the night, demanding entry under false pretenses.
Hit List and “No Kings” Flyers Found
Inside Boelter’s vehicle and home, officials discovered extensive writings indicating months of planning. The suspect’s target list included high-profile Democrats such as Sen. Tina Smith and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Officers also found flyers referencing “No Kings,” a slogan associated with anti-Trump protests held nationwide on Saturday. While Minnesota officials had urged people to stay home due to security concerns, many protests proceeded peacefully.
“This was a targeted attack against individuals who answered the call to public service,” said FBI special agent Alvin Winston. “Political violence has no place in this country.”
Capture and Ongoing Investigation
Boelter was captured in a field near Green Isle, Minnesota, after a massive search operation involving SWAT teams, drones, and helicopters. Officers reportedly spotted him fleeing into the woods before surrounding him and calling him out. He was armed at the time of his arrest, officials confirmed.
He now faces state and federal charges, including murder, attempted murder, and impersonating a law enforcement officer. Additional federal charges are under review.
“If officers hadn’t disrupted him at Hortman’s home, I have every confidence this would have continued throughout the day,” said Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans.
Rising Threat of Political Violence
The Minnesota shootings underscore a growing concern over political violence in the U.S. The Brennan Center for Justice reported that nearly half of all state lawmakers surveyed had faced threats or attacks in recent years. Meanwhile, the U.S. Capitol Police has documented a surge in threats against members of Congress.
In a Truth Social post, former President Donald Trump—who has faced criticism for inflaming partisan tensions—condemned the attacks:
“Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”
As of Monday, the motive behind the Minnesota attacks remains under investigation. But for many in the state, and across the nation, the message is already clear:
The threat of political violence is no longer hypothetical. It is real, and it is here.
