---

BREAKING: Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman Assassinated in Politically Motivated Shooting – Suspect at Large

Brooklyn Park, Minnesota – In a tragic and politically charged act of violence, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were shot and killed in their home early Saturday morning. The attack, which also left State Senator John Hoffman and his wife seriously injured, has been confirmed by law enforcement to be a premeditated assassination attempt fueled by extremist ideology.

The alleged gunman, Vance Luther Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, MN, is currently the subject of a nationwide manhunt, with multiple agencies including the FBI, U.S. Marshals, and Minnesota State Patrol involved in the search.

---

🔴 What Happened?

• At approximately 5:30 a.m., Boelter allegedly broke into the Hortman residence in Brooklyn Park, impersonating a police officer.
• He fatally shot both Melissa Hortman, 55, and her husband.
• He then drove to Champlin, where he shot Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, both of whom survived and are in stable condition after undergoing surgery.

---

🧠 Suspect Profile: Vance Luther Boelter

• Age: 57
• Background: Former security contractor with military-style tactical training
• Radical Ties: Links to far-right anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ groups
• Known History: Once served alongside Sen. Hoffman on a state disability board
• What Was Found:
  • A "hit list" with over 70 names including state lawmakers, judges, and activists
  • Latex disguise masks, survival gear, and a suspected manifesto
  • No Kings protest flyers in his abandoned vehicle

---

🚨 Manhunt Intensifies

Authorities confirmed Boelter exchanged gunfire with law enforcement before fleeing on foot. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture. Law enforcement warns he may be armed, dangerous, and wearing a disguise.

A temporary shelter-in-place order was issued for residents of Brooklyn Park and Champlin, though it has since been lifted.

---

🗣️ Political Reactions

• Governor Tim Walz: “This is an unspeakable loss to Minnesota. We must stand united against political extremism.”
• President Joe Biden: “We condemn this act of hate-fueled political violence. Democracy cannot thrive in fear.”
• Former President Trump: Called it “absolutely terrible” but denied any connection to extremist groups.
• Rep. Ilhan Omar, who was reportedly on Boelter’s hit list: “This shows where dangerous rhetoric leads.”
• Sen. Tina Smith: “Our politics must never result in bloodshed.”

---

🕯️ Remembering Melissa Hortman

Melissa Hortman served over two decades in public office, most recently as Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She was widely respected for her advocacy in education, women’s rights, and climate policy.

Colleagues described her as “fierce, compassionate, and deeply committed to justice.” A memorial service is being planned by the state.

---

➤ What’s Next?

• A joint task force has been formed to track Boelter’s movements
• Security has been increased for other individuals named in the hit list
• Rallies, protests, and Capitol events across the state have been canceled out of caution

---

📢 Call to Action

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI tip line or Minnesota Crime Stoppers. The $50,000 reward remains active.

#MelissaHortman #MinnesotaShooting #PoliticalViolence #VanceBoelter #BreakingNews #JohnHoffman #FBIManhunt #DemocracyUnderAttack