Police say the man accused of assassinating a U.S. senator and attempting to murder another had a list of numerous potential targets stored in his car.
Minnesota Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot in their home early Saturday morning, local time.
Not far away—just eight kilometres from the Hortmans’ residence—Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times in their home.
Authorities have launched a manhunt for the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley stated that officers discovered a manifesto and a list of targets in Boelter’s vehicle.
That list reportedly included dozens of Democratic officials, doctors, community leaders, business owners, and locations such as Planned Parenthood clinics and other healthcare facilities.
Police are in the process of contacting individuals named on the list to alert them of possible threats.
Eyewitness Accounts and Details of the Attacks
Senator Hoffman’s front door bore visible bullet holes. A neighbor, Clarence Shaffer, told NBC he was watching TV around 2 a.m. when he heard gunshots.
“I didn’t see anything at first, but then I saw a dark-colored car backing out of the Hoffmans’ driveway,” he said. “As it reversed, the headlights came on and then police lights appeared. I thought, ‘Why is a cop leaving right after gunshots?’”
Authorities have confirmed that Boelter posed as a police officer—wearing a vest, a blue long-sleeve shirt, and what looked like a badge—to gain entry into the victims’ homes.
The first emergency call came at 2 a.m., leading officers to the Hoffman residence. About 90 minutes later, police were directed to the Hortmans’ home, where they found an SUV with flashing emergency lights in the driveway. Officers exchanged gunfire with the suspect as he exited the property.
Background and Ongoing Investigation
David Carlson, Boelter’s roommate, told local media that he received troubling text messages from Boelter in the hours following the attacks. Reading them aloud, Carlson said, “He wrote, ‘I may be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know that I love you guys both, and I wish it hadn’t gone this way.’” Carlson added, “I don’t know why he did it. He had a lot of friends. I just wish I could’ve stopped him.”
Documents obtained by The New York Times revealed that Boelter once served on the same 60-member Workforce Development Board as Senator Hoffman. Appointed by Governor Tim Walz, Boelter served two terms, ending in January 2023.
Authorities are still trying to determine whether Boelter personally knew either of the senators.
A photo shared online by state police appeared to show papers labeled “NO KINGS” spread across the seat of Boelter’s car. Investigators believe this may indicate he intended to target one of the many ongoing protests across the country against the Trump administration.
As a precaution, protest organizers in Minnesota have canceled all upcoming events following recommendations from state officials.
Governor Tim Walz has urged the public to avoid political gatherings until the suspect is apprehended.
President Donald Trump acknowledged the situation on his Truth Social platform, confirming he had been briefed on the shootings and the ongoing manhunt.
The FBI is offering a $US50,000 ($77,106) reward for any tips leading to Boelter’s arrest.
