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A lawmaker from Minnesota and her husband have been found dead, while a senator and his wife have sustained injuries. Authorities are actively searching for the shooter in what officials describe as “targeted” assaults on political figures and their families.
Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman, 55, was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2004 and had been serving her 11th term as a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. She acted as minority leader from 2017 to 2019, and as speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025.
She previously worked for senators Al Gore and John Kerry before enrolling in law school and eventually starting her own practice.
Hortman and husband Mark, who was also killed in the attack, are survived by two adult children.
A surveillance photo released by authorities shows a suspect wearing police-like tactical gear and carrying a flashlight as officials race to find Vance Boelter, the suspected gunman in the shooting of two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)
Authorities have released a photo of Vance Luther Boelter taken Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Minnesota Department of Public Safety)
Authorities did not reveal a possible motive for the violence.
Police were called to the Hoffmans’ home shortly after 2 a.m. and found the couple with multiple gunshot wounds, according to authorities. As a precautionary measure, officers were sent to Hortman’s home.
Upon their arrival, authorities encountered a man dressed as a police officer at Hortman’s home and what appeared to be a patrol car parked outside.
“When officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home” and escaped, Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said.
Several AK-style guns were recovered from the suspect’s vehicle, along with a pile of “No Kings” flyers, an apparent nod to the anti-Trump administration protests sweeping the nation this weekend. Boelter is believed to be armed with a pistol.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. Authorities believe Boelter may be trying to flee the area, and he is considered armed and dangerous.
Boelter is 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs about 220 pounds. Officials ask anyone with information about Boelter’s whereabouts to call 877-996-6222.
The Associated Press and Fox News Digital’s Cameron Arcand contributed to this report.
