Manhunt for suspect in killings of Minnesota lawmakers intensifies
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Officers reportedly encountered suspect Vance Boelter leaving the scene disguised as a law enforcement officer, dressed in a convincing uniform and driving a vehicle made to look like a police SUV.
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This image provided by the FBI on Saturday, June 14, 2025, shows part of a poster with photos of Vance L. Boelter. (FBI via AP)
Authorities across the Midwest are continuing their search for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who is suspected of fatally shooting Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and seriously injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a string of attacks believed to be politically motivated.
The shootings occurred early Saturday morning, with police responding around 3:30 am to Hortman's residence. Officers reportedly encountered Boelter leaving the scene disguised as a law enforcement officer, dressed in a convincing uniform and driving a vehicle made to look like a police SUV. "It was equipped with lights, emergency lights, that looked exactly like a police vehicle, and yes, they were wearing a vest with Taser, other equipment, a badge very similar to mine, that, no question, if they were in this room, you would assume that they are a police officer," said Police Chief Mark Bruley.
Boelter remains at large and has been placed on the FBI's most wanted list, with a $50,000 reward offered for any information leading to his capture. Officials believe he may have left the Minneapolis area. "We believe he's somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him," said Senator Amy Klobuchar on NBC's Meet the Press. "But right now, everyone is on edge here because we know that this man will kill at a second."
Motive under scrutiny
Investigators have reportedly found evidence pointing to a clear political motive, including a list left at the crime scene naming pro-abortion lawmakers and abortion facilities as potential targets. "There clearly was some through line with abortion because of the groups that were on the list, and other things that I've heard were in this manifesto. So that was one of his motivations," Klobuchar explained.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz echoed those concerns, calling the shootings a "politically motivated assassination." Authorities are also examining whether Boelter had any direct interactions with the lawmakers prior to the attacks.
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Before the incidents, Boelter sent cryptic text messages to two friends, which were later shared with the Minnesota Star Tribune. In one message, he wrote, "I made some choices, and you guys don't know anything about this, but I'm going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn't gone this way."
He added, "I don't want to say anything more and implicate you in any way because you guys don't know anything about this. But I love you guys and I'm sorry for all the trouble this has caused."
Law enforcement agencies have issued alerts across multiple states, including South Dakota. Officials stress that the suspect's law enforcement-style attire and equipment could make him appear legitimate to unknowing citizens. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to piece together Boelter's motivations and timeline.
