
Minnesota State Lawmakers Shoting Suspect
Learn all about the Minnesota state lawmakers shooting suspect in 2025. Who is Vance Boelter? Why did he target lawmakers? Read the latest updates and safety alerts.
Table of Contents
Introduction: A Dangerous New Chapter in Minnesota’s Political History
The Minnesota state lawmakers shooting suspect is at the center of a shocking and tragic case that has rocked the state in June 2025. A man disguised as a police officer opened fire on two elected officials and their spouses in two separate attacks. The manhunt is still underway, and the public is urged to stay alert.
This case is more than just another headline—it is a wake-up call about politically motivated violence in America and the growing dangers faced by public servants.

Who Is the Suspect in Minnesota State Lawmakers Shooting?
- Name: Vance Luther Boelter, age 57
- Background: Formerly linked to evangelical ministries, food-service roles, and local security businesses.
- Method: Posed as a police officer using a fake uniform, latex mask, and a vehicle resembling a squad car.
Authorities retrieved from his abandoned SUV:
- A manifesto
- A list of about 70 political and institutional targets, including high-profile Democrats like Gov. Tim Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and Senator Tina Smith.
🕵️ Timeline of the Attacks in Minnesota (2025)
📍 First Shooting – Champlin
- Time: ~2:00 a.m.
- Victims: State Senator John Hoffman and his wife
- Injuries: Multiple gunshot wounds; both hospitalized in stable condition
📍 Second Shooting – Brooklyn Park
- Time: ~3:30 a.m.
- Victims: Former Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, both found deceased
- Aftermath: Gunfire exchange with police; suspect fled on foot
What Happened During the Shootings
First Incident in Champlin
Around 2 a.m., Boelter shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their Champlin home. They sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were hospitalized.
Second Incident in Brooklyn Park
- Approximately 90 minutes later, officers responding to a welfare check found Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, deceased in their home.
- The suspect exchanged gunfire with responding officers before fleeing on foot.
Political Motivation & Fallout
- Gov. Tim Walz described the murders as a “targeted political violence” and a threat to democratic discourse.
- A shelter-in-place was enacted in parts of Brooklyn Park, and security around public officials was significantly increased.
- Condolences and outrage poured in across party lines, including statements from President Trump and members of both parties .
Details About the Suspect’s Background
- Boelter had ties to evangelical ministries, ran a security firm called Praetorian Guard, and had prior roles in government workforce boards.
- Online, he wrote extensively on conservative causes, including anti-abortion messaging.
- He reportedly lived in Green Isle, MN, and had previously received political appointments.
Reward, Hotline & Warning
- The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest.
- Anyone with information can call tip lines like 877‑996‑6222 (BCA) or 1‑800‑225‑5324 (FBI).
- Police urge the public to stay cautious, avoid approaching him, and verify fake officers by requesting more than one officer with ID.

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