Credited from: CBSNEWS
Vance Luther Boelter, 57, has been identified as the primary suspect in the targeted shootings of Minnesota lawmakers, resulting in the tragic deaths of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the critical injury of Senator John Hoffman and his wife. The shootings occurred early Saturday morning, with Boelter reportedly posing as a police officer during the assaults, which took place at the victims' homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, according to Indiatimes and CBS News.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered a manifesto in Boelter's fake police SUV, detailing a list of over 50 targets that included Democratic lawmakers and rights advocates. Brooklyn Park police chief Mark Bruley emphasized, “We immediately made alerts to the state and provided security where necessary,” highlighting the severe implications of the findings, as reported by Indiatimes and ABC News.
The attacks commenced around 2 a.m., with Hoffman and his wife initially targeted. Shortly thereafter, Boelter fatally shot Hortman and her husband following a confrontation with law enforcement. Reports indicate that Boelter was able to escape after exchanging gunfire with responding officers, as stated by law enforcement sources from Newsweek.
Following the incident, a shelter-in-place order was issued in Brooklyn Park as authorities launched an extensive manhunt involving multiple law enforcement agencies. A heightened police presence has been initiated to ensure the safety of officials listed in the manifesto, and demonstrations across the state have been canceled due to safety concerns, according to Indiatimes and ABC News.
Vance Boelter is considered armed and dangerous with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture. Reports have detailed that he had once expressed admiration for former President Donald Trump but had not been vocal about political matters in recent times, while flyers opposing Trump were found in his vehicle, further complicating his profile, as relayed by sources such as Newsweek.