Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Political Attack

A politically motivated attack in Minnesota early Saturday led to the assassination of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their Brooklyn Park home, and the serious wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a separate incident. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, a former appointee to Minnesota’s Workforce Development Board, allegedly impersonated a police officer to carry out the shootings. Authorities reported that Boelter left behind 'No Kings' flyers and a manifesto listing additional political targets, indicating the attacks were deliberate and aimed at Democratic lawmakers. After a firefight with police, Boelter fled and remains at large, prompting a large-scale manhunt. In response, statewide protests were canceled and security was heightened for other officials. Governor Tim Walz and other leaders condemned the violence, calling for unity and honoring Hortman’s legacy.