The manhunt for a suspect in the deadly shooting of Minnesota lawmakers entered its second day on Sunday, with police expanding their search into neighboring South Dakota. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, is accused of impersonating a police officer while carrying out the brutal attacks.
Tragedy Strikes Political Leaders in Minnesota
The violence claimed the lives of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were shot and killed at their home in Brooklyn Park early Saturday morning. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also critically injured after being shot multiple times. Both victims underwent surgery, and Governor Tim Walz expressed “cautious optimism” about their recovery.
Evidence Suggests Political Motivation
Authorities revealed that a target list was discovered in a vehicle linked to Boelter. The list reportedly included the names of Democratic politicians who supported abortion rights, as well as abortion providers. Senator Tina Smith’s office confirmed she was among those named.
Federal authorities, including the FBI, have placed Boelter on their Most Wanted list and announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
“This was clearly politically motivated,” said U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar during an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press. Klobuchar, visibly emotional, paid tribute to Hortman, describing her as “an incredible woman loved by Democrats and Republicans alike.”
Community in Shock After Suburban Shooting
The attack has left the quiet suburb of Brooklyn Park shaken. Police tape surrounds the Hortman residence, now an active crime scene. A patrol car remains stationed outside, guarding the property as investigators continue to gather evidence.
Local residents expressed disbelief. “They were very nice neighbours in a very quiet neighbourhood,” said Taha Abuisnaineh, who lived across the street. “We are very shocked.”
Others recalled receiving annual Christmas cards from the Hortmans and remembered Representative Hortman as someone who worked across the aisle and got along well with local Republicans. “What a big loss for Minnesota,” one neighbor remarked.
President Donald Trump has been briefed on the situation, though it remains unclear if he plans to contact state officials. Governor Walz, once a vice-presidential nominee in the 2024 election, has vowed full support to law enforcement in their ongoing investigation.