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Rep. Melissa Hortman, Sen. John Hoffman shot in 'targeted' shootings: Sources
By Melissa TurtinenPublished June 14, 2025 8:16am CDTCrime and Public SafetyFOX 9


The Brief
Two Minnesota lawmakers were shot by someone impersonating a police officer early Saturday morning.
Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, as well as their spouses, were shot, sources told FOX 9. They are both Democrats.
The shootings happened in Champlin and Brooklyn Park.
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (FOX 9) - Two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot by someone impersonating a police officer, sources confirmed to FOX 9.


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Sen. John Hoffman and Rep. Melissa Hortman, as well as their spouses, were shot in the overnight shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, sources told FOX 9's Karen Scullin.

Their conditions are not known as of this writing.


Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman, as well as their spouses, were shot.

Hortman, a Democrat from Brooklyn Park, represents District 34B. Hoffman, a Democrat from Champlin, represents Senate District 34.

The shelter-in-place alert sent at 5:30 a.m. by Brooklyn Park Police Department is for the 3-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course.

Police say they are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings. The suspect is armed and dangerous. The suspect is a white man with brown hair wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants, and he may be impersonating law enforcement.

2 Minnesota legislators shot by suspect impersonating police
2 Minnesota legislators shot by suspect impersonating police
Two Minnesota lawmakers, Speaker Emerita Melissa Hoffman (DFL) and Sen. John Hoffman (DFL) were the victims of targeted shootings Saturday morning at their homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin.

Residents are told not to approach the suspect and to call 911. Authorities are also telling people in the area not to answer their door for a police officer unless it's two officers together, or call 911 to confirm the identity of the officer at your door.

Within the shelter-in-place order, about 2.5 miles away from the golf course, there is an active scene on Windsor Terrace North. About 7 miles away in Champlin, there is an active scene on 109th Place.

The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office confirms an investigation is underway and Brooklyn Park is the lead agency.


Gov. Walz:
"I’ve been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement are on the scene. We will share more information soon."

Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom:
"I'm just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we'd be here. My prayers are with the Hortman, and Hoffman families. I hope everyone comes out of this ok. I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok. My understanding is that its someone cos-playing as a officer and they haven't been caught. For those going out to protest today please do it safely and if something looks off say something we do not need anyone else to get hurt."

Manhunt Underway After Multiple 'Targeted' Shootings In Brooklyn Park
A shelter-in-place was issued Saturday morning for parts of Brooklyn Park as police search for the suspect, reports said.
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Posted Sat, Jun 14, 2025 at 8:43 am CT
Brooklyn Park police have issued a shelter-in-place for a portion of the city amid their search for a suspect in "multiple targeted shootings," according to officials and reports.
Brooklyn Park police have issued a shelter-in-place for a portion of the city amid their search for a suspect in "multiple targeted shootings," according to officials and reports. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)
BROOKLYN PARK, MN — Brooklyn Park police have issued a shelter-in-place for a portion of the city amid their search for a suspect in "multiple targeted shootings," according to officials and reports.

The shelter-in-place encompasses a 3-mile radius surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course, KARE reported. Police are looking for a suspect, who they described as "armed and dangerous."

While police have not confirmed how many victims were involved in the shootings or the nature of their injuries, Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom said the violence was directed at elected officials.


"I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok," Lindstrom said. "Any type of violence against other people is not ok."

An unconfirmed report from Fox 9 also said several state legislators were targeted.

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Gov. Tim Walz said he was briefed on the shootings and had activated the State Emergency Operations Center.


The suspect is a white man with brown hair, reports said. He was wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants, and he may be impersonating a law enforcement officer.

Residents should not approach anyone who looks like the suspect and instead call 911.

IT is on x from Gov Walz that Dem Rep Melissa Hortman and her husband both have died

As sad as it sounds I expect more of this is coming.

………Sad Day. See sig line.

That’s awful!

Just heard that on the news.. Very sad,, I'm guessing that this is just the beginning.

Nobody wants to say it because at this point, there isn't any proof but for me, this all leads back to the rhetoric out there from Trump and his Minions. Would not surprise me to find that the shooters were released from Trumps pardons of J6 idiots.

No, I don't know this for sure.. But like I said, would not be surprised.

It's already being reported as politically motivated. I'm still waiting until they show me it was before I jump to conclusions but that would seem to be the most likely motivation here.

I hope that whoever did this is caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. This kind of thing is reprehensible and disgusting.

This person left a manifest in their vehicle. It had about 70 names on it including abortion providers, Minnesota lawmakers and other politicians. Also had a bunch of “No Kings” flyers

Sounds like it was an appointee of Tim Waltz.

Democrat on Democrat crime.

Based on what?

Is this the talk of a Troll? Kinda sounds like it.,

Yes. He was fueled on the stupid "No Kings" day protests. Worked for Tim Waltz and was profiting on bringing immigrants to Minnesota. The Democratic Woman killed voted with state Republicans to ban illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid. She was targeted by this nut job. These so called peaceful protestors but better named rioters are terrorists that hate America.

Yes. He was fueled on the stupid "No Kings" day protests. Worked for Tim Waltz and was profiting on bringing immigrants to Minnesota. The Democratic Woman killed voted with state Republicans to ban illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid. She was targeted by this nut job. These so called peaceful protestors but better named rioters are terrorists that hate America.

I wouldn’t be stating that as fact quite yet. I’ve seen this theory but not by any reputable source.

Minnesota shooting suspect told friend in text message: I might be dead soon
By Tom Polansek, Joseph Tanfani, Ned Parker and David Shepardson
June 14, 20259:23 PM EDTUpdated 2 hours ago



Police offer $50,000 reward for suspect's arrest
Governor Walz suggests shooting was politically motivated
Suspect's vehicle contained manifesto and list of officials
Suspect had links to evangelical ministries and said he was security expert
MINNEAPOLIS/NEW YORK/WASHINGTON, June 14 (Reuters) - The suspect in the deadly shooting of a Minnesota state lawmaker and wounding of another had links to evangelical ministries and said he was a security expert with experience in the Gaza Strip and Africa, according to his online postings and public records.
A manhunt was under way on Saturday for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, who police said is a suspect in the killing of Democratic Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
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Police said the suspect had been seen earlier on Saturday wearing a light colored cowboy hat, a dark colored long sleeved collared shirt or coat with a dark bag. The FBI offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information that could lead to his arrest.
David Carlson, 59, told Reuters that he has been sharing a house in Minneapolis with Boelter for a little more than a year and last saw him on Friday night. Then about 6 a.m. on Saturday, he received a text from Boelter.
"He said that he might be dead soon," said Carlson, who called police.
Carlson, who has known Boelter since fourth grade, said Boelter worked for an eye donation center and stayed at the house because it was close to his job. Carlson said he feels betrayed by Boelter and heartbroken for the victims, adding: "His family has got to suffer through this."

Boelter was appointed in 2016 to the Governor's Workforce Development Board, state records show. The board "has a responsibility to advise the Governor on Minnesota's workforce system," according to its website.

Asked if Boelter knew the lawmakers, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said: "We are still exploring that."
"There's certainly some overlap with some public meetings, I will say, with Senator Hoffman and the individual. But we don't know the nature of the relationship or if they actually knew each other," he told reporters.
Boelter listed himself as having no political party preference. On a LinkedIn post six years ago, Boelter urged Americans to vote and value the process: "If you believe in prayer, please keep the United States in your prayers."

Carlson said Boelter voted for Trump, was a Christian and did not like abortion, though he added that the pair had not talked about the issue for a long time, adding: "He wasn't really angry about politics."

Minnesota police, FBI hunt suspect in deadly shooting of Democratic state lawmakers
An FBI poster shows images of 57-year-old Vance Luther, the primary suspect involved in the shooting deaths of senior Democratic state assemblywoman Melissa Hortman and her husband, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S., released on June 14, 2025. FBI/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
In social media accounts, public records and websites reviewed by Reuters, Boelter described himself as a Christian minister, a security expert with experience in the Middle East and Africa, and a former employee of food service companies.

Boelter said he was the chief executive of an organization called the Red Lion Group, based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He and his wife, Jennifer, also ran a security service called Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC; Minnesota corporate records list her as a manager.
The company website says it offers only armed guard security services, and Boelter wrote that he had been "involved with security situations in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip." The claims could not be immediately verified.
Police were aware of reports that Boelter owned a security company, Evans said.
LOOKING FOR WORK

Boelter wrote on LinkedIn a month ago that he was looking for work: "Hi everyone! I'm looking to get back into the U.S. Food Industry and I'm pretty open to positions" in Texas, Minnesota, Florida and the Washington DC area.
Nonprofit tax filings show that Boelter and his wife ran a Christian ministry organization called Revoformation. The most recent filing, in 2010, lists Boelter as president.
On an archived version of the Revoformation web page from 2011, Boelter said he was ordained in 1993 as a minister, and had been raised in the small town of Sleepy Eye, about 100 miles southwest of Minneapolis.
In his biography on that site, Boelter claimed to have made trips to "violent areas in the Gaza Strip and West Bank where suicide bombings were taking place."
"He sought out militant Islamists in order to share the gospel and tell them that violence wasn't the answer," the biography says. Boelter said he went to St. Cloud State University, the now-closed Cardinal Stritch University and the Christ for the Nations Institute, a Bible college in Dallas.

After firing at police on Saturday, the suspect abandoned a vehicle in which officers found a "manifesto" and a list of other legislators and officials, law enforcement officials said.
Evans said police were still exploring what could have been the motivation for the shootings, adding: "It would be premature for me at this point to really say exactly what the motivation might be from these writings."
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said the shooting "appears to be a politically motivated assassination."

It's pretty evident it is./was.

It's pretty late and i haven't watched the news for a few hours. Maybe with luck he has been caught, or he has put one in his head.

Nut jobs like this many times know how it is going to end for them.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/ar...ng-revealing-met-Jesus-17-years-old.html



Newly unearthed video shows Vance Boelter, the subject of a massive FBI manhunt, dancing in a church service as his links to Africa were revealed.

The video, filmed in February 2023, shows Boelter, 57, delivering a passionate testimony about how he met Jesus at the age of 17.

'I met the Lord when I was 17 years old and I gave my life to Jesus Christ,' he says in the clip.








He goes on to describe naming his five children after Christian virtues, Grace, Faith, Hope, Joy, and David, in what he calls a testament to God's blessings on his life.

But Boelter the preacher is now the prime suspect in what authorities have described as a targeted political assassination.

Boelter is accused of posing as a police officer and fatally shooting Democratic Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband inside their Brooklyn Park home early on Saturday.

Hours earlier, Boelter allegedly shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their home in nearby Champlin. In that case, both victims survived but remain in hospital

The video shows Boelter not only preaching but also describing himself as a man transformed by God. His passionate 25 minute sermon stands in stark contrast to the grim reality of the manhunt now underway.

The footage comes to light as it was revealed Boelter was the CEO of a security company called The Red Lion Group, which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Newly unearthed video shows Vance Boelter, the subject of a massive FBI manhunt, delivering a passionate testimony about how he met Jesus at the age of 17

Newly unearthed video shows Vance Boelter, the subject of a massive FBI manhunt, delivering a passionate testimony about how he met Jesus at the age of 17

The video, filmed in February 2023, shows Boelter, 57, recounting how the Holy Spirit filled him as a teenager

The video, filmed in February 2023, shows Boelter, 57, recounting how the Holy Spirit filled him as a teenager

Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman
State Representative Melissa Hortman
Senator John Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman



Red Lion Group has since deleted its website and LinkedIn pages, but Boelter's LinkedIn said he started at the company in December 2021.

He also worked with Minnesota Africans United, a statewide organization working with African immigrants in the state.

Two years ago, Boelter announced ago that he was in the country with his company, working on 'private business projects.'

He claimed to have business ventures in a host of industries including fishing, farming, media, security, and motorcycle-taxis all within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

'We're partnering with 400 farmers who are ready to go on a farming project… we're doing a fishing project that works with like 500 fishermans…that's off the coast of Rwanda,' Boelter stated in an online video.

'Another one that we're looking at doing is a totally women led motorcycle-taxi business, where all the operators are women, and the leadership is women, so we're excited to get that off the ground,' Boelter explained in his pitch.

'I would like to get 1,000 female motorcycle-taxis running in the near future but we need some sponsors to invest in that,' he went on.

In a video from August 2022, Boelter made a pitch for business in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Boelter worked alongside Minnesota Africans United and Global Minnesota in partnership with the DRC American Chamber of Commerce

In a video from August 2022, Boelter made a pitch for business in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Boelter worked alongside Minnesota Africans United and Global Minnesota in partnership with the DRC American Chamber of Commerce

About one month ago Boelter updated his LinkedIn to say he had returned to the US and was looking for work in the food industry on the corporate side.

'I'm looking for roles in Texas, Minnesota, Florida, and Washington DC-Baltimore area ideally, but would look at other locations if I felt it was a good fit,' he wrote.

Boelter also has armed security experience in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and North America through the Praetorian Guard Security Services, a biography about him on the site said.

'He brings a great security aspect forged by both many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the US Military,' it reads.

'Vance has focused all this experience to make sure Praetorian Guard Security Services covers the needs you have to keep your family and property safe.'

He had previously worked at 7-Eleven and Geencore as a general manager, a system manager at Del Monte Foods, and a operational leader at Johnsonville Sausage, according to his LinkedIn.

The footage shows Boelter delivering an emotionally charged sermon to a small congregation

The footage shows Boelter delivering an emotionally charged sermon to a small congregation

Boelter can be seen enjoying the February 2023 church service

Boelter can be seen enjoying the February 2023 church service

At ones stage the congregation can be seen getting up and awkwardly dancing around

At ones stage the congregation can be seen getting up and awkwardly dancing around

His LinkedIn also revealed his deep connections to politics, as he asked his followers to vote ahead of the 2020 election.

Boelter, a husband and father-of-five, holds degrees in international relations, management, and leadership for the advancement of learning and service from various Minnesota and Wisconsin universities.

The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter's arrest, and authorities have described him as armed, dangerous, and potentially targeting more lawmakers.

The footage shows Boelter delivering an emotionally charged sermon to a small congregation.

He can be heard preaching about repentance, God's plan, and the power of faith as the ultimate equalizer between rich and poor.

At one point, he describes his family as a divine gift and says, 'God has a plan for each of us... and no one can take you out of it - only you can walk away.'

The message is intensely spiritual while also laced with a level of determination that authorities now fear may have spiraled into extremist belief.

Law enforcement sources say Boelter left behind 'No Kings' flyers and written manifestos naming Hortman, Hoffman, and other elected officials.

Though officials have not publicly stated a motive, one source said that Boelter's writings expressed rage toward pro-choice lawmakers and contained elements of anti-government ideology.

Boelter is a former political appointee who served on Minnesota's workforce development board - the same one as Senator Hoffman, though it's unclear how well the two men knew each other.

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was named as the suspect for the death of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and the assassination attempt of Senator John Hoffman

Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was named as the suspect for the death of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and the assassination attempt of Senator John Hoffman

Boelter has armed security experience and a history of public service
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Boelter has armed security experience and a history of public service

He also ran a private security firm with his wife, Praetorian Guard Security Services, which promoted armed event security and featured imagery of tactical gear and patrol vehicles resembling police cruisers.

Police say Boelter used that look to his advantage. After allegedly shooting the Hoffmans around 2am, officers responded to the second scene at Hortman's house and found Boelter outside, dressed as a law enforcement officer and standing next to a police-style vehicle.

When they approached, he opened fire and escaped on foot during the exchange.

Inside his vehicle, investigators recovered multiple AK-style rifles. Authorities say he is still believed to be armed with a pistol.

Governor Tim Walz called the killings 'a politically motivated assassination' and warned of broader threats against public officials in a nation increasingly beset by political violence.

'We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,' Walz said at a press conference earlier in the day as he ordered flags to fly at half-staff in Hortman's honor.

The former House Speaker, 55, was a central figure in Minnesota politics, known for her support of expanded abortion access and her role in a high-profile standoff with Republicans earlier this year.

Her husband, Mark Hortman, died later at the hospital. Autopsies show both died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Hoffman, 60, remains in critical but stable condition after surgery. Walz said he is 'cautiously optimistic' about the senator's recovery.

Bullet holes mark the front door of the house of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife who were shot earlier in the day on Saturday in Champlin, Minnesota

Bullet holes mark the front door of the house of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife who were shot earlier in the day on Saturday in Champlin, Minnesota

Cops have locked down a three-mile area around the shootings amid the search for the gunman, who police say remains at large

Cops have locked down a three-mile area around the shootings amid the search for the gunman, who police say remains at large

Authorities shared an image on social media showing flyers for the 'NO KINGS' rallies planned to coincide with Donald Trump's birthday parade, which they said they found in a vehicle believed to be linked to the shootings

Authorities shared an image on social media showing flyers for the 'NO KINGS' rallies planned to coincide with Donald Trump's birthday parade, which they said they found in a vehicle believed to be linked to the shootings

Late on Saturday afternoon, officials released new images of the suspect allegedly wearing a Halloween-style mask during the shootings

Late on Saturday afternoon, officials released new images of the suspect allegedly wearing a Halloween-style mask during the shootings



Boelter is a former appointee of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (center)
Boelter is a former appointee of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (center)

The attacks prompted a sweeping security response across the Twin Cities, including the cancellation of several anti-Trump 'No Kings' demonstrations that Boelter may have been monitoring.

State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said the suspect's car contained flyers from the group and writings that mentioned potential future targets.

Boelter reportedly texted friends just before the shootings, writing cryptically: 'I've made some choices... I'm going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly. I just want to let you know I love you guys and I wish it hadn't gone this way.'

As the FBI, state police, and local law enforcement fan out in search of him, residents remain shaken by the attacks.

'This is crazy - someone going after representatives?' said Douglas Thompson, a Brooklyn Park resident. 'This is wrong. I'm hoping they'll catch him.'

Who knows, the guy has a varied background.

This is a deplorable post.

That's what a few of them do best.