Authorities in Minnesota have identified the man suspected of carrying out a deadly series of politically targeted shootings over the weekend. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, is now the subject of a statewide manhunt after the fatal shootings of State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the wounding of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in two separate home invasions on the morning of Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Boelter, a former political appointee and private security contractor, is considered armed and extremely dangerous. The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
A Calculated Attack
According to officials, Boelter’s attacks were premeditated, coordinated, and deeply personal. Investigators say the suspect impersonated a police officer, wearing tactical law enforcement-style gear and arriving in what appeared to be a marked patrol vehicle. His goal: to gain access to the homes of political figures he had allegedly marked for assassination.
The first shooting occurred just after 2:00 AM in Champlin, Minnesota, at the home of State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Both were shot multiple times but survived. Authorities say that after the attack, police moved quickly to secure the home of Rep. Melissa Hortman, given her proximity to Hoffman’s legislative work and her high-profile voting record on abortion and LGBTQ rights.
When law enforcement arrived at the Hortman residence in Brooklyn Park, they found a man dressed as a police officer standing at the front door, next to what appeared to be a squad car. As they approached, an exchange of gunfire occurred. The suspect fled through the back of the residence.
Inside, authorities discovered Rep. Hortman deceased at the scene. Her husband Mark was transported to the hospital but later died from his injuries.
How He Did It: A Fake Police Vehicle and Tactical Disguise
One of the most chilling details of the attack was how Boelter gained access to his targets. Investigators say Boelter modified a civilian SUV to look exactly like a police vehicle—complete with flashing emergency lights, police insignia, and even a Taser.
When officers responded to the second crime scene at Rep. Melissa Hortman’s home, they encountered a man in full tactical police-style gear standing next to what appeared to be a squad car in the driveway. Believing they were approaching a fellow officer, they were met with gunfire instead. Boelter then fled the scene through the back of the home.
Authorities described the SUV as nearly indistinguishable from a real squad car, adding that the impersonation exploited public trust in law enforcement to gain access to private residences and execute a targeted plan.
Who Is Vance Luther Boelter?
Boelter is a former security contractor with an extensive background in international operations. He previously served as the CEO of Red Lion Group, a firm based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is listed as the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a private security company.
He holds a PhD in Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service and was appointed to the Minnesota Workforce Development Board by Gov. Mark Dayton in 2016. He was reappointed by Gov. Tim Walz in 2019 and served alongside Sen. Hoffman during his tenure.
Surveillance photos released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety show Boelter in a tan cowboy hat, and later, in full tactical gear with a flashlight. Authorities say he used this gear to impersonate law enforcement and deceive his victims into opening their doors.
The Motive: Politically Driven Violence
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the attack was politically motivated. Inside Boelter’s vehicle, officers recovered a manifesto and a list of over 70 potential targets—including elected officials, Planned Parenthood clinics, and others associated with pro-choice advocacy and LGBTQ support.
Boelter’s motive appears to stem from deeply held anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ views. He was not affiliated with a political party but is described as a Trump supporter and a devout Christian by former associates. In private conversations, he allegedly preached against what he saw as moral decay in American politics and targeted lawmakers whose records conflicted with his beliefs.
Authorities also found AK-style weapons and a stack of “No Kings” protest flyers—which were associated with anti-establishment rhetoric, though it remains unclear whether Boelter supported or opposed those protest movements.
The Escape and the Warning
After fleeing the scene of the second shooting, Boelter reportedly returned to his home, where he texted a final message to his roommates, saying he would “be dead shortly” and apologizing for the trouble he had caused. The message strongly suggested an intention to either evade capture or die by suicide.
Despite this, Boelter remains at large as of this writing. He is described as 6’1″ tall, approximately 220 pounds, and possibly still in possession of a handgun. Authorities are urging anyone with information to call 877-996-6222, and to avoid approaching the suspect.
Public Response and Federal Involvement
The shocking nature of the attacks has drawn national attention. President Donald Trump issued a statement expressing condolences and affirming that the FBI and Department of Justice would support the investigation and ensure full accountability.
Gov. Tim Walz condemned the violence, calling it an “attack on democracy” and urging unity across Minnesota. Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson added, “The suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor.”
State Police Colonel Christina Bogojevic warned residents to avoid large gatherings while the suspect is still at large, though no specific threats to protests have been identified.
What Comes Next
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, along with federal agencies, is working around the clock to track Boelter’s movements. Authorities have already traced multiple leads and are hoping public tips will help bring a swift resolution.
This is an ongoing investigation, and further updates are expected as new information is confirmed. Officials continue to stress that political violence of any kind is unacceptable, regardless of ideology.
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