Gambiaj.com – (MINNEAPOLIS, MN) – A massive manhunt is underway across Minnesota and bordering regions for 57-year-old Vance Boelter, the suspect in a “politically motivated assassination” that left Minnesota House Democratic Leader Melissa Hortman and her husband dead. Two other lawmakers, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, were also shot and injured in a related attack.

Governor Tim Walz described the attacks as politically motivated, a sentiment echoed by the discovery of a “hit list” containing nearly 70 names, including other lawmakers and abortion providers, found in the suspect’s vehicle.

The horrifying events unfolded in the early hours of Saturday. Police were first called to Senator Hoffman’s home around 2:00 a.m. local time after reports of a shooting. They provided life-saving measures before the couple was transported to the hospital, where they are now in stable condition after surgery.

Around 3:35 a.m., officers proactively checking on Rep. Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park were met with a chilling scene: a police vehicle in her driveway with emergency lights on and an individual dressed as a police officer emerging from the house.

This individual, later identified as Boelter, immediately opened fire on the arriving officers before escaping during the exchange. Rep. Hortman and her husband both died of multiple gunshot wounds, with the Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s office ruling their deaths as homicides.

Vance Boelter, identified by law enforcement officials, works for Praetorian Guard Security Services, where he serves as the director of security patrols.

The company’s website indicates their use of vehicles and equipment similar to those used by police departments, including Ford Explorer Utility vehicles, raising concerns about how Boelter may have used such resources to impersonate an officer.

Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota mourned the loss of Rep. Hortman, describing her as a “treasure of the North Star State” and highlighting her dedication to public service and significant legislative achievements.

Klobuchar also expressed hope for Senator Hoffman’s recovery and acknowledged the alarming increase in threats against elected officials nationwide.

The FBI has joined the search for Boelter, offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Authorities have issued a “lookout” to border patrol officials on both the U.S. and Canadian sides, fearing Boelter may attempt to flee the country.

Investigators are diligently examining a “manifesto” found in Boelter’s car, alongside flyers reading “No Kings,” to determine his motivations. Organizers of the “No Kings” protests, scheduled across Minnesota for Saturday, have since announced their cancellation out of an abundance of caution, despite no direct evidence linking the protests to the suspect’s actions.

The U.S. Capitol Police have also heightened security for members of Minnesota’s congressional delegation, as several Democratic members were reportedly on the suspect’s alleged target list.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has requested immediate increased security for Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith.

Brooklyn Park Mayor Hollies Winston urged residents to rely on credible sources for information and to resist spreading misinformation, emphasizing the strong sense of community in Minnesota despite the singular nature of the suspect’s viewpoint.

As the manhunt continues, the state of Minnesota, along with federal agencies, remains united in their efforts to apprehend Vance Boelter and understand the full scope of these targeted attacks on elected officials.

Source: CNN