ST PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota law enforcement is urging the public to be cautious as the suspect in the shooting of two lawmakers is armed, dangerous, and currently evading capture.

The suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, may be seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat and a long-sleeved collared shirt. A business security camera captured a photo of Boelter wearing a cowboy hat on Saturday in Minneapolis. Authorities suspect he is attempting to leave the area.

Boelter is sought in connection with the deaths of State Rep. and Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman of Brooklyn Park, and her husband, Mark. State Sen. John Hoffman of Champlin and his wife, Yvette, sustained multiple gunshot wounds and are in recovery.

Officials say when the Hoffmans were shot around 2 a.m., the suspect left behind a list of elected officials, including Hortman. When authorities went to Hortman’s house for the welfare check, the suspect was there posing as an officer. Gunfire was exchanged and the suspect ran away. His vehicle was left behind with license plates that said “police.” 

A shelter-in-place for the area around the Hortmans’ Brooklyn Park home has been listed as of about 3:20 p.m. Saturday. Authorities believe Boelter is armed and dangerous and say no one should approach him. If anyone sees him, call 911 immediately. You can also call in tips to the Minnesota BCA at (877) 996-6222. Emails can be sent to bca.tips@state.mn.us.