Details on the Suspect in Lawmaker Shootings

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — Authorities are actively pursuing a man they suspect is linked to the fatal targeted shootings of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her spouse, Mark. Additionally, State Sen. John Hoffman from Champlin and his wife, Yvette, suffered multiple gunshot wounds at their residence but are now in recovery, as confirmed by Gov. Tim Walz.

The suspect has been identified by state officials as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. Reports indicate that the suspect, who was allegedly pretending to be a police officer, is still on the run. He is described as a white male with brown hair, donning black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. State documentation reveals Boelter once served on the same state board as Sen. Hoffman.

Authorities have detailed Boelter’s physical description as 6’1″ and weighing 220 pounds. Individuals with any details are encouraged to reach out to the BCA tip line at 877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.

The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information about Vance Boelter’s whereabouts.

The second photo from the right shared from the FBI was taken by a security camera outside a home Saturday morning. In it, Boelter is wearing what appears to be a realistic mask. 

A KARE 11 crew from Hortman’s home captured an SUV with a license plate that said “POLICE” being towed from the scene.

According to KARE 11’s A.J. Lagoe, Boelter is listed as a director of security patrol for a private security company in Gaylord, Minnesota, where his spouse is listed as the CEO, according to the Secretary of State’s website.

The shootings took place at the lawmakers’ homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, prompting a massive manhunt and shelter-in-place orders for thousands of residents.

When Brooklyn Park officers arrived at Rep. Hortman’s home, they said they noticed a police vehicle in the driveway with emergency lights on and what appeared to be a police officer coming out of the house, according to Chief Bruley.

“When our officers confronted them, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire and the suspect retreated back into the home,” Bruley said.

The suspect then fled out the back of the house on foot, abandoning the vehicle. Officers made “limited penetration” into the home to pull Mark Hortman to safety and attempt first aid, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Police impersonation tactics:

• Drove an SUV equipped with emergency lights that looked exactly like a police vehicle
• Wore a police vest, badge, taser and other equipment
• Knocked on doors asking residents to come outside while posing as law enforcement
• Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect used “the trust of this badge and this uniform to manipulate their way into the home.”

State Sen. John Hoffman, of Champlin, and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times at their home but are recovering, according to Gov. Tim Walz.

Brooklyn Park police say they discovered a manifesto in the suspect’s abandoned vehicle that identified multiple lawmakers and other officials, according to Chief Bruley. Those named on the list have been alerted and provided security.

“There was a list of individuals and the individuals that were targeted in the situation were on that list,” Superintendent Evans said at a Saturday morning news conference.

The manhunt involves hundreds of officers from Brooklyn Park Police, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, FBI, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and State Patrol.

Sky 11 captured footage of armored vehicles at Boelter’s alleged property in Green Isle, Minnesota.

Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place order for a 3-mile radius surrounding Edinburgh Golf Course. Chief Bruley warned residents:

• Do not answer doors for single individuals claiming to be police
• Call 911 to verify any officer at your door
• Brooklyn Park officers will only travel in pairs or more during the search
• Report any suspicious activity immediately