Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in a shooting early Saturday (June 14) in what authorities are calling a politically motivated attack. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot but are expected to survive. The suspect, still at large, impersonated a police officer to carry out the attack. The suspect's vehicle contained a list of other potential targets, prompting increased security measures for elected officials.

Governor Tim Walz confirmed the deaths and described the incident as a "politically motivated assassination." Hortman, a prominent Democrat and former Speaker of the Minnesota House, was remembered by Walz as a dedicated public servant.

Officials are reportedly searching for Vance Luther Boelter in connection with shootings. He is a former appointee of Gov. Walz to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board.

Boelter was allegedly dressed in a police uniform and drove a vehicle resembling a police SUV, allowing him to gain access to the victims' homes. His first target was Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, who he shot in their Champlin home early Saturday. He then went to the house of Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, where he murdered her and her husband.

Officers later discovered the suspect at Hortman's home in Brooklyn Park, where he fired at them before escaping. The city remains under a shelter-in-place order as law enforcement agencies continue their search.

The planned "No Kings" protest in Saint Paul was canceled following the shootings. Officials said they found "No Kings" posters in Boelter's car, though there was no evidence that indicated the rally was a target.

The FBI and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi are involved in the investigation, with President Donald Trump stating that those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Bill Handel

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