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Authorities say Vance Boelter, the suspect in the deadly shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and the wounding of Senator John Hoffman, was carrying a “hit list” targeting pro-choice public officials when he fled the scene.

Boelter remains at large after two politically motivated attacks rocked the state early Saturday morning.

“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends,” said Governor Tim Walz, visibly emotional at a press conference. “She [Hortman] is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many.”

Dual Attacks on Lawmakers’ Homes

Police say the shootings began around 2:00 a.m. Saturday, when Boelter allegedly shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their home in Chaplin, Minnesota.

Just 90 minutes later, Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park residence.

According to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Boelter impersonated a police officer and used a police-like SUV to approach both households. Officials recovered the vehicle at the scene of the Hortman shooting.

Boelter was captured on a Ring video outside a victim’s door, posing as a police officer and wearing a face mask.

Boelter texted his roommates before the attacks that, “I made some bad choices, I may be dead soon.” Boelter rented a room at the small houses in Minneapolis, his roommates said.

One of the roommates said he has known Boelter for forty years, and he has never heard him express strong political views.

Alleged Motive: Pro-Choice Targeting

While officials stopped short of confirming a motive, a source who reviewed Boelter’s manifesto told The Independent the document named multiple Democratic, pro-choice lawmakers in Minnesota.

“It would be premature for me at this point to really say exactly what the motivation might be from these writings,” said BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, adding that investigators were still working to analyze the manifesto.

Boelter’s hit list and writings reportedly emphasized hostility toward reproductive rights advocates, deepening concerns about escalating political violence.

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Who Is Vance Boelter?

Boelter, 57, works as the director of security patrols at Praetorian Guard Security Services, a private firm. The company touts military-trained staff, and Boelter was well-known for wearing realistic police-style uniforms.

On Praetorian Guard Security’s website, it says the company uses “the same make and model of vehicles that many police departments use in the U.S.”

“There is no question that if they were in this room, you would assume they are a police officer,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley during a press conference.

Security footage showed Boelter near a Minneapolis business early Saturday morning, wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, dark collared coat, and light pants.

Political and Public Reactions

The shootings have drawn bipartisan condemnation. President Donald Trump released a statement Saturday, writing:

“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”

Commissioner of Public Safety Bob Jacobson added:

“This is a dark day today for Minnesota and for democracy. We will not allow fear or violence to define who we are, or how we move forward.”

Ongoing Manhunt and Safety Alerts

Boelter remains at large as of Sunday, and authorities have urged the public not to approach him. 

“The suspect exploited the trust our uniforms are meant to represent,” Jacobson said. “That betrayal is deeply disturbing.”

As the state reels from this tragedy, questions continue to swirl around the suspect’s affiliations, access to firearms, and potential connections to extremist ideologies.

More details are expected following the full release of the suspect’s manifesto and as law enforcement continues the manhunt.

The FBI said they’re offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the “arrest and conviction” of Boelter. Local, state, and federal law enforcement are currently searching for Boelter, who is considered armed and dangerous.

 Anyone with information is asked to call 911 immediately.

Or they can contact the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-225-5324 or the BCA at 1-877-996-6222 or send an email to: [email protected].