A significant manhunt is underway following the early Saturday morning assassination of Minnesota Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, by a gunman masquerading as a police officer in what authorities are calling a “politically motivated assassination.”
The alleged perpetrator, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, is also suspected of shooting Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in a separate incident. Both are reported to be in stable condition as of Sunday morning.
Authorities have revealed that Boelter was found in possession of a list containing the names of other potential targets, including various officials and legislators.
“Right now, everyone [is] on edge here, because we know that this man will kill at a second,” remarked Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
Klobuchar noted that law enforcement agencies suspect the suspect may still be in the Midwest, prompting an alert in South Dakota as well.
“We believe he’s somewhere in the vicinity, and they are going to find him,” Klobuchar stated confidently.
She urged the community to remain vigilant, instructing anyone who might encounter Boelter to immediately contact authorities through available tip lines. Reports can be made to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 1-877-996-6222, or via email at bca.tips@state.mn.us.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspected gunman.
Following the devastating events, tributes have poured in for Hortman, who previously served as speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives until earlier this year.
Democratic Governor Tim Walz commemorated Hortman on X, sharing a photograph and referring to her as “the most consequential Speaker in state history.”
Klobuchar praised Hortman as a dedicated “true public servant” who was admired across the political spectrum.
Lawmakers have broadly denounced the violence, with Governor Walz asserting that the attack appeared to have political motivations.
Former President Donald Trump also expressed his condemnation, stating that “such horrific violence will not be tolerated” in the nation.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
