A deadly assassination plot has shocked Minnesota as House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home by a suspect impersonating law enforcement, with a manifesto revealing a broader politically motivated attack targeting multiple lawmakers.

At a Glance

• Vance Boelter, 57, is being sought for the politically motivated killings of Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, with a $50,000 FBI reward offered for information leading to his capture
• The suspect, described as armed and dangerous, impersonated law enforcement to gain access to victims’ homes and also injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife
• A manifesto and target list found in Boelter’s counterfeit police SUV included plans to target other officials and was linked to “No Kings” anti-Trump protests
• President Trump has condemned the violence and directed the FBI and Attorney General to assist in the investigation
• Authorities have urged the public to avoid demonstrations while the suspect remains at large

Politically Motivated Attack Leaves Lawmakers Dead and Injured

Minnesota authorities are conducting a massive manhunt for 57-year-old Vance Boelter following the targeted killings of Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. The suspect also attacked State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, who were injured but survived. Boelter allegedly gained access to the victims’ homes by impersonating a police officer, wearing a law enforcement uniform and driving a vehicle equipped to look like a police SUV, complete with emergency lights. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFRejEziKdY

Minnesota Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson warned the public about the dangerous fugitive during an emergency press conference. “You should consider him armed and dangerous, and you should call 911 immediately,” Jacobson stated. Authorities disclosed that Boelter is a former political appointee and security contractor with extensive experience working in Africa and the Middle East, raising questions about his professional background and potential motivations.

Manifesto Reveals Broader Plot Against Government Officials

Investigators discovered disturbing evidence inside Boelter’s counterfeit police vehicle, including a manifesto and a list of potential targets that extended beyond the victims of the attack. US Senator Tina Smith was reportedly among those named on the target list. The vehicle also contained flyers for “No Kings” protests, linking the suspect to organized demonstrations against the Trump administration. These connections have prompted authorities to urge caution regarding public gatherings while the suspect remains at large.

“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Governor Tim Walz declared in his public statement addressing the tragedy. The governor emphasized that such actions represent “an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy” and pledged that those responsible would be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M0xj3bqM4E

National Response and Security Concerns

President Donald Trump swiftly condemned the attacks and announced federal assistance for the investigation. “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America,” President Trump stated, confirming that the FBI and Attorney General Pam Bondi would be fully involved in bringing the perpetrator to justice. The president’s response comes amid heightened national tensions, as he himself has survived two assassination attempts during the campaign season.

“We don’t know the nature of the relationship or if they actually knew each other,” noted an investigator identified as Mr. Evans, indicating that authorities are still working to establish clear connections between the suspect and his targets. According to reports, Boelter was known to be a Trump supporter, though his specific grievances against Minnesota lawmakers remained unclear based on information from acquaintances.

Part of a Troubling Pattern of Political Violence

The Minnesota assassinations represent the latest in a series of politically motivated attacks that have shaken American democracy in recent years. Former Representative Gabby Giffords, herself a survivor of political violence, condemned the shootings and emphasized their broader implications for democratic institutions. The incident coincided with nationwide rallies against Trump administration policies and a major parade in Washington, D.C., highlighting the volatile political climate across the country.

Public officials across party lines have expressed concern about the escalation of political rhetoric into deadly violence. The connection to “No Kings” protests has raised particular alarm among law enforcement officials, who worry about potential copycat attacks or further escalation at public demonstrations. Governor Walz specifically advised citizens to exercise caution regarding participation in protests while security threats remain unresolved.