FBI Identifies Vance Boelter As Suspect In Shooting Of Minnesota Lawmakers Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, Offers Reward (UPDATE)

A man posing as a police officer shot and killed former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark early Saturday, Gov. Tim Walz said. A second lawmaker, Senator John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette, were also shot. Walz described the attacks as “targeted political violence.” Both were Democratic leaders attacked in their homes, about nine miles apart. The gunman is still on the run, but the FBI has released the name: Vance Boelter.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with new information about the incident. Refresh for the latest details. 

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What’s Known About The Suspected Shooter

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, first said that authorities were actively searching for a white male, brown hair suspect. Associated Press was the first to report 57-year-old Vance Boelter as a suspect after confirming with two people speaking anonymously. The FBI has since confirmed this information. Evans has since updated the suspect description to include his height of 6 feet 1 inch, weight of 220 pounds, and brown eyes. The last outfit he reportedly had on was a light-colored cowboy hat, a dark-colored collared shirt or coat with long sleeves, and light pants. Boelter was also carrying a dark bag. At this time, Evans said, it’s unclear if other people were involved in the shootings, but the FBI has locked in on Vance. The agency is reportedly offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction.

The FBI offers a reward of up to $50,000 for info leading to the arrest and conviction of Vance L. Boelter, suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at their residences on June 14, 2025: https://t.co/XjawGOt5lq pic.twitter.com/tZ9RE97OHk

— FBI Most Wanted (@FBIMostWanted) June 14, 2025

Vance’s motive remains unclear. Authorities say the suspect had “No Kings” flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims and other lawmakers and officials. However, per AP, they could not say if he had any other specific targets.

State records show that Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as John Hoffman. However, it wasn’t clear if or how well they knew each other. Boelter worked for a security company called Praetorian Guard Security Services.

What Happened At The Crime Scenes?

Police responded to reports of gunfire at the Hoffmans’ home shortly after 2 a.m., Champlin police said. There, they found the lawmaker and his wife, Yvette, with multiple gunshot wounds. After seeing who the victims were, police sent officers to check on Melissa Hortman’s home. When cops arrived, they found what appeared to be a police vehicle and a man dressed as an officer at the door, leaving the house. Police Chief Mark Bruley said:

“When officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home” and escaped.

Also, the front door of Hoffman’s home reportedly has multiple bullet holes. Vance reportedly wore a copycat police officer uniform. Additionally, he drove a vehicle that “looked exactly like an SUV squad car.” Bruley explained that the car had “lights, emergency lights, and looked exactly like a police vehicle.”

More Details About The Minnesota Shooting Victims

Melissa Hortman and her spouse were killed in their Brooklyn Park home. Hortman was the top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature and a former House speaker. She was first elected in 2004. She and her husband had two children. A preliminary report from the Hennepin County Medical Examiner confirmed that the Hortmans died of multiple gunshot wounds in a homicide.

Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times in their home in Champlin, per AP. They reportedly survived and underwent surgery. CNN reports that Superintendent Drew Evans revealed the last update on John Hoffman, which included him being stable and out of surgery.

Hoffman was first elected in 2012. He represents a district north of Minneapolis and previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Trump & More Public Officials Speak

Tim Walz condemned political violence in a same-day press conference and social media statement about the shootings.

“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence,” Tim Walz said. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”

We must stand united against violence. pic.twitter.com/KFP2IZgbAs

— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 14, 2025

As mentioned, Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said the suspect was posing as a law enforcement officer.

“Suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms, what our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” Jacobson said.

The City of Brooklyn Park announced a “shelter in place” order early Saturday, but it has since been lifted as authorities believe Vance Boelter has left the area. The Minnesota State Patrol also urges people planning to participate in statewide demonstrations to stay home, per CNN. There are reportedly more than 1,800 scheduled protests for the “No Kings” movement, which seeks to reject authoritarianism, especially after Trump’s return to the White House.

President Donald Trump said in a White House statement that the FBI would join in the investigation.

“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”

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Associated Press Staff Tim Sullivan, Alanna Durkin Richer, Durkin Richer, Giovanna Dell’Orto, Steve Karnowski, Carolyn Thompson, and Michael Biesecker contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.