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The FBI released new images of Vance Luther Boelter, 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 federal investigation agency is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter.
In the photo, the alleged murderer is seen wearing a latex mask, a flashlight, a bulletproof vest, and a weapon.
The perimeter around Boelter shrinks about 36 hours after the murder of the Minnesota state legislator and her husband.
According to CNN, the police are combing the area of Sibley County, where they found a second vehicle belonging to Vance Boelter. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant.
Boelter was wearing a police uniform when he left Hortman's house and was driving a vehicle similar to a patrol car. He was equipped with a bulletproof vest, stun gun, and other gear. He escaped from Hortman's house after a shootout with the police following the murder.
Political motive and a list of objectives: The unsettling background
Democratic Governor Tim Walz confirmed that the crime was "politically motivated" and denounced that Boelter had left troubling evidence.
Among the documents found in the suspect's vehicle was a manifesto listing more than 50 targets, including legislators from other states, abortion rights advocates, and reproductive health clinics.
Papers with the slogan "No Kings" were also found, related to demonstrations against President Donald Trump.
The political connection is significant: Boelter was appointed by Walz himself in 2016 and 2019 as a representative of the private sector on the governor's workforce council, a position he held until 2023.
Despite having been appointed by a Democratic governor, an investigation is underway to determine whether his motivations stem from a radical ideological shift or from resentments accumulated due to recent decisions made by the legislators.
A striking detail is that the murdered congresswoman had voted with the Republican Party just five days before the crime, against the expansion of state health benefits for undocumented immigrants.
Suspect's history: Links to private security and apparent radicalization
According to public data cited by the EFE agency, 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 prior experience in the field of security would have enabled him to acquire tactical gear and convincingly simulate a police identity.
In addition to the manifesto, authorities found flyers related to the national protest "No Kings," which was cancelled in Minnesota due to safety concerns after the events.
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 impersonated a police officer, wearing a bulletproof vest, badge, carrying a Taser, and driving a truck with emergency lights.
This is how he managed to gain access to the homes of the legislators. He first targeted the residence of Senator Hoffman 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 resuscitate 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.
"It wasn't a real police officer. It was someone who was clearly impersonating a police officer and taking advantage of the trust that his badge and uniform afforded him," 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 area.
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 reflect a growing tension and political polarization.
The FBI, the state prosecutor's office, and local authorities continue to search for Boelter as protective measures for elected officials are intensified and other potential threats related to the discovered manifesto are being reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions about the murder of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman and her husband
Who is the main suspect in the murder of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman?
The main suspect in the murder of Congresswoman Melissa Hortman and her husband is Vance Luther Boelter. The FBI has released images of him and is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Boelter is also accused of the attempted murder of Senator John Hoffman and his spouse.
What was the reason behind the attack on the legislators of Minnesota?
The attack was politically motivated, according to Governor Tim Walz. Boelter left troubling evidence in a manifesto that included a list of more than 50 targets, including lawmakers from other states and advocates for abortion rights. This suggests a background of resentment and possibly a radicalized ideological shift.
How did Vance Luther Boelter carry out the attack?
Vance Luther Boelter pretended to be a police officer to gain access to the homes of legislators. He wore a bulletproof vest, carried a badge, had a Taser, and drove a truck with emergency lights. This disguise allowed him to approach his victims without raising suspicion until the moment of the attack.
What is the current situation regarding the search for Vance Luther Boelter?
The search for Vance Luther Boelter is still active and has intensified, with the police scouring the area of Sibley County, where a second vehicle of his was found. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, and the FBI along with other agencies continue their efforts to locate him.
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