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Cuban-American Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar condemned the attack this Saturday that resulted in the death of a Democratic congresswoman and left a senator from the same party severely injured, and urged rejection of hatred, extremism, and political violence in the United States.
"I am horrified by the tragic politically motivated attack against state legislators in Minnesota. There is no place for political violence in our society," wrote María Elvira on X.
"We must reject hatred and confront extremism in all its forms. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the entire community," he added.
In recent hours, the Minnesota police have launched an intensive operation to capture Vance Luther Boelter, 57, identified as the main suspect in the murder of state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, as well as the attempted homicide of Senator John Hoffman and his spouse.
The events occurred in the early hours of this Saturday, in what authorities have classified as a “politically motivated” and “highly targeted” attack.
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 objectives
The Democratic governor Tim Walz confirmed that the crime was "politically motivated" and reported that Boelter had left troubling evidence.
Among the documents found in the suspect's vehicle was a manifesto containing a list of over 50 targets, including lawmakers from other states, abortion rights advocates, 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 representative of the private sector 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 radical ideological shift or from accumulated resentment due to recent decisions made by lawmakers.
A meticulously planned attack
According to the American press, Boelter allegedly pretended to be a police officer, wearing a bulletproof vest, badge, a Taser-type weapon, and driving a van with emergency lights.
This is how he gained access to the legislators' homes. He first attacked Senator Hoffman's residence in Champlin, where he and his wife were seriously injured.
Later, he went to Hortman's residence in Brooklyn Park, where he fatally shot her and her husband Mark, who died while emergency services were attempting to resuscitate him.
The double attack has shocked the country. The victims were prominent figures of the Democratic Party.
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 commented on what happened on his platform Truth Social.
The president described what happened as a "terrible shooting," promised to prosecute those involved "to the fullest extent of the law," and warned that "such horrifying violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Attack on Legislators in Minnesota
What motivated the attack on lawmakers in Minnesota?
The attack on Minnesota lawmakers was politically motivated. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, left behind a manifesto with a list of political targets, suggesting that the attack was premeditated and specifically aimed at figures from the Democratic Party. This type of violence underscores the increasing political polarization in the United States.
Who is the main suspect in the attack in Minnesota?
The main suspect is Vance Luther Boelter, 57 years old. Boelter is wanted by authorities for the murder of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman and the attempted homicide of Senator John Hoffman. It is believed that Boelter acted with political motivations and used his experience in private security to carry out the attack.
How did U.S. authorities respond to the attack?
The authorities launched an intensive search operation to capture the suspect. In addition, protective measures for elected officials have been intensified, and other possible threats related to the discovered manifesto are being reviewed. President Donald Trump pledged that those involved will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
What was María Elvira Salazar's reaction to the attack?
María Elvira Salazar condemned the attack and rejected political violence. In her statements, she emphasized the need to confront hatred and extremism in all its forms, expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. Salazar has been a consistent critic of political polarization and the violence that stems from it.
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