Minnesota Lawmakers Killed, Police Response Raises Questions

The June 14 shootings of Minnesota lawmakers state Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, along with their spouses, have raised serious questions about law enforcement's response and communication. Despite the initial 911 call identifying the suspect, Vance Boelter, as a masked gunman impersonating a police officer targeting politicians, it took law enforcement 10 hours to alert other lawmakers to the threat. Brooklyn Park police encountered Boelter at the Hortman home and witnessed him shoot Mark Hortman before the officers fired at Boelter, who then entered the home where additional gunfire occurred; however, the police delayed entering the home for more than an hour, deviating from standard procedures. A New Hope police officer also had a contact with Boelter after the Hoffman shooting but did not immediately report it, further complicating the response. Communication across various agencies was inconsistent, leaving some police officers and legislators unaware of the danger for hours and prompting concerns that Boelter might have been apprehended earlier. Boelter faces multiple federal and state charges, including murder and attempted murder, with officials describing his actions as targeted political assassinations.