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The Minnesota police have launched an intense operation to capture Vance Luther Boelter, 57 years old, identified as the primary suspect in the murder of state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his spouse.
The events occurred in the early hours of Saturday, in what authorities have classified as a "politically motivated" and "highly targeted" attack.
According to the agency EFE, Boelter has been declared a "person of interest" in these crimes, and at this time, special units are conducting an active operation in the area of Brooklyn Park, north of Minneapolis.
The police chief of that city, Mark Bruley, detailed that the suspect managed to escape after exchanging gunfire with officers, and his current whereabouts are unknown.
Political motive and a list of targets: The troubling background
The Democratic governor Tim Walz confirmed that the crime was “politically motivated” and denounced that Boelter had left concerning evidence.
Among the documents found in the suspect's vehicle was a manifesto containing a list of more than 50 targets, including legislators from other states, advocates for the right to abortion, and reproductive health clinics.
Papers were also found with the slogan "No Kings", associated with protests against President Donald Trump.
The political connection is significant: Boelter was appointed by Walz himself in 2016 and 2019 as the private sector representative on the governor's workforce council, a position he held until 2023.
Despite being appointed by a Democratic governor, it is being investigated whether his motivations stem from a radicalized ideological shift or from accumulated resentments over recent decisions made by lawmakers.
A striking detail is that the murdered congresswoman, for instance, had voted with the Republican Party five days before the crime, against the expansion of state health benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Suspect's history: Links to private security and apparent radicalization
According to public data quoted by the agency EFE, an individual with the same name and description as the suspect was the director of a security company, Praetorian Guard Security, based in Minneapolis.
This previous experience in the field of security would have helped him acquire tactical equipment and simulate a police identity with great credibility.
In addition to the manifesto, authorities discovered flyers related to the national protest "No Kings," which was canceled in Minnesota for security reasons following the incidents.
A meticulously planned attack: He posed as a police officer and carried a manifesto
According to the New York Post and CBS News, Boelter allegedly posed as a police officer, wearing a bulletproof vest, badge, a Taser-type weapon, and driving a truck with emergency lights.
This is how he managed to gain access to the homes of the legislators. He first attacked Senator Hoffman’s residence in Champlin, where he and his wife were seriously injured.
Later, he went to Hortman's home in Brooklyn Park, where he fatally shot her and her husband Mark, who died while emergency services attempted to revive him.
Upon the arrival of the first officers at Hortman's residence, they encountered a vehicle that appeared to be official and a uniformed man exiting the house.
“When our officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired at the officers, who returned fire, and the suspect retreated into the house,” Bruley explained.
"He wasn't a real police officer. He was someone who clearly posed as a police officer and took advantage of the trust granted by his badge and uniform," he added.
A state on alert: Political tension and mourning
Minnesota is in shock. The victims were prominent figures of the Democratic Party, representatives from the northwest area of the Twin Cities metropolitan region.
Hortman, 55 years old, had presided over the state House of Representatives and maintained an active career in local politics.
The community, both Democratic and Republican, has condemned the acts of violence, which highlight a growing tension and political polarization.
The FBI, the state prosecutor's office, and local authorities continue the search for Boelter as protective measures for elected officials are intensified and other potential threats related to the found manifesto are being reviewed.
President Donald Trump also spoke out about what happened on his platform Truth Social:
"I was informed about the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which seems to be a targeted attack against state legislators [...] Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI are investigating the situation and will prosecute all those involved to the full extent of the law," he wrote.
"Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly wonderful place!" he added.
Frequently Asked Questions about the assassination of Congresswoman Hortman in Minnesota
Who is the main suspect in the murder of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman?
Vance Luther Boelter, 57 years old, is identified as the prime suspect in the murder of state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his spouse. Boelter is actively being sought by authorities after fleeing following an armed confrontation with the police.
What was the reason for the attack against Congresswoman Hortman?
The crime was classified as "politically motivated" by the authorities. A manifesto was found in the suspect's vehicle that included a list of over 50 targets, including legislators from other states and advocates for abortion rights, suggesting a political backdrop to the attacks.
What measures are the authorities taking to capture Vance Boelter?
The FBI has launched a search operation and an image of the suspect has been released. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Law enforcement is combing specific areas such as Sibley County, where a second vehicle belonging to Boelter was found.
How has the political community reacted to the assassination of the congresswoman?
The political community, both Democrat and Republican, has strongly condemned the attack. María Elvira Salazar, Cuban-American congresswoman, urged a rejection of hate and political violence. President Donald Trump also spoke out, stating that the FBI will conduct a thorough investigation and that such violence will not be tolerated in the United States.
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