Developing: Shooter Posing as Officer Targets and Kills Minnesota Lawmakers; Manhunt Underway
Share this @internewscast.com

UPDATE [2:10 P.M. EST]: According to two law enforcement sources speaking to the Associated Press, the individual believed to be the shooter is identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. No further information about his background or potential reasons for the incident has been shared.

This is a developing story. Original coverage is below.


A shooter impersonating a police officer shot two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses in separate incidents early Saturday.

Fox 9 reports that Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park.

In Champlin, state Senator John Hoffman and his spouse were also victims of gunfire and are currently in the hospital. They are undergoing surgical procedures. Governor Tim Walz expressed “cautious optimism” regarding their recovery from what he termed an assassination attempt.

Walz called the shootings “an act of targeted political violence.”

Both victims are Democrats. Hoffman represents Senate District 34, and Hortman represented House District 34B, according to ABC News.

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, the Brooklyn Park Police Department released a shelter-in-place directive within a three-mile area surrounding Edinburgh Golf Course due to the shooting incident. Investigators are on the lookout for a suspect, described as a white male with brown hair, potentially posing as a law enforcement officer. He was last witnessed wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.

According to ABC News, police found Hoffman and his wife shot at about 2 a.m. in Champlin. Officers then conducted a welfare check at Hortman’s home a few miles away.

When officers arrived, they saw a person wearing a badge, Taser, and other law enforcement equipment exiting the residence. The suspect exchanged gunfire with officers and fled on foot, leaving behind a vehicle in Hortman’s driveway. The vehicle was outfitted with police lights and resembled a law enforcement vehicle.

Police said they recovered a list of potential targets that included “many lawmakers.”

Several political figures responded to the shootings.

Former President Donald Trump’s White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, posted on social media, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement, “This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Sen. Amy Klobuchar offered prayers to the families and called the incident “a stunning act of violence.” She added, “I’m thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time.”

Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chair Ken Martin praised Hoffman and Hortman’s public service and said, “Today, we recommit ourselves to fight harder for the values that Melissa and Mark embodied — building a kinder, more just, and loving world. If this murderer thinks we will be silenced, he’s wrong.”

During the ongoing manhunt, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office advised the public not to open their doors to a lone police officer. “Licensed officers are working in pairs,” the department said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo:Melissa Hortman and Sen. John HoffmanMinnesota House of Representatives | Minnesota Senate]

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Missouri Special Education Teacher Avoids Jail for Sending Explicit Content to Student

A Missouri education teacher has pleaded guilty after sending sexually explicit content…

Judge Accuses Trump Administration of Misleading Supreme Court About Ruling

President Donald Trump listens during a ceremony to swear in Dr. Mehmet…

Police Report: Man Slept While Boy Drowned in Florida Hotel Pool

Inset: Sharef Omar Smith (Brevard County Sheriff’s Office). Background: Quality Inn Hotel…

Repeat Offender Charged with Rape Days After Prison Release

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have arrested 44-year-old Gerald Dwayne Grimes…

Authorities Report: Woman Sets Home on Fire After Requesting Burn Permit

Background: the Greene County Jail in Springfield, Missouri (Greene County Sheriff”s Office).…

UPDATE: No Charges for Influencer’s Husband in Toddler Son’s Drowning Incident

Arizona prosecutors announced last week that they will not be charging a…

Man Kills Grandmother Over Hidden Gun Dispute in His Room

Inset: Sean Couture (Waukesha County Jail). Background: Authorities responding to the home…

Daughter Charged with Murder After Mother Found Stuck to Bed: DA

Inset: Tyrossale Peak (Richmond County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The 2900 block of…

Former State MP Gareth Ward Sentenced to Prison Following Sex Abuse Convictions

A disgraced NSW MP has been escorted behind bars days after he…

Immigrants Sue Over Trump’s New Policy Denying Bail

President Donald Trump participates in the 157th National Memorial Day Observance at…

Prosecutors Claim Ex-Dentist James Craig Carefully Orchestrated Wife’s Poisoning; Jury in Deliberation

The fate of former Colorado dentist James Craig is in a Centennial…

Mother Detained Months After Alleging Husband Kicked 5-Year-Old Daughter in Groin Before She Died

The mother of a 5-year-old Nevada girl who died in April was…