Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman assassinated in political attack; suspect targeted abortion rights supporters
A grave act of politically motivated violence has shaken Minnesota to its core. Democratic House Majority Leader Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were fatally shot early Saturday morning at their Brooklyn Park home. Authorities identified the suspect as Vance Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, Minnesota, who allegedly impersonated a police officer to carry out the attack.
Rep. Hortman killed in targeted political attack. Suspect Vance Boelter had list of abortion rights supporters. Manhunt underway in Minnesota.
State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in their home in nearby Champlin.
Minnesota Legislature
A law enforcement source close to the investigation confirmed Boelter left behind a list of political targets, primarily individuals who have publicly supported abortion rights, including several Minnesota lawmakers and reproductive health advocates.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the killing of Hortman a “politically motivated assassination,” reinforcing concerns that rising political extremism has crossed into deadly territory.
“This was an act of targeted political violence. Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy,” Walz said.
Minnesota Legislature
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in their home in nearby Champlin. Both survived and are recovering following emergency surgery. Officials believe the same suspect is responsible for both attacks.
Suspect Impersonated Police Officer
According to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley, Boelter was dressed in authentic-looking tactical gear, complete with a badge, Taser, and police-style vehicle fitted with emergency lights. When real officers arrived at the Hortman residence, the impersonator opened fire before retreating into the home and eventually fleeing.
“We believe confidently the suspect escaped out the back of the house,” Bruley stated. “He exploited the public trust associated with law enforcement to gain access.”
Abortion Rights Supporters Were Primary Targets
Multiple sources say Boelter's “kill list” included current and former lawmakers, abortion providers, and reproductive rights organizations. Rep. Kelly Morrison, an OB/GYN and former legislator, confirmed she was named on the list and had been advised to shelter in place.
“I was told that reproductive health care providers and lawmakers supporting abortion rights were being targeted,” Morrison said.
Law enforcement also recovered a manifesto from Boelter’s vehicle outlining extremist views and naming dozens of individuals and institutions tied to abortion access advocacy.
Heightened Security and Statewide Manhunt
Authorities have launched a statewide manhunt and are treating Boelter as armed and extremely dangerous. Surveillance footage shows him last seen in Minneapolis, wearing a cowboy hat, dark jacket, and light pants, carrying a dark bag. Residents are urged not to approach the suspect and instead call 911 or submit tips to 877-996-6222 or bca.tips@state.mn.us.
Several Minnesota cities have issued shelter-in-place orders, and local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, have deployed additional officers to protect lawmakers and assist in the manhunt.
“Political violence is evil. It cannot be tolerated,” said Frey. “We are providing full support to state and federal partners to ensure justice.”
Rising Threats to Elected Officials
Officials and lawmakers say this tragedy highlights a troubling national trend: the escalation of political threats and violence, particularly aimed at public figures connected to controversial policy areas such as reproductive rights.
“Unfortunately, we’ve seen a rise in political threats for some time now,” said Rep. Angie Craig, who is also under increased protection.
In a unified response, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Tom Emmer, and the entire Minnesota Congressional Delegation condemned the violence in a joint statement, saying:
“There is no place in our democracy for politically motivated violence.”
Authorities urge anyone with information about Boelter’s whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. This is a developing story. Follow Nation Above TV for live updates.
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