15.06.2025 09:40
In the state of Minnesota, USA, Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were killed by an attacker disguised as a police officer who broke into their home. The attacker also shot and injured State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in their home. President Trump stated that such horrific attacks will not be tolerated.
In Minnesota, USA, Governor Tim Walz announced that Democratic State House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman were shot and killed by an attacker disguised as a police officer around 2:00 AM. "Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark lost their lives in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination early this morning," Walz stated.
THE ATTACKER ALSO TARGETED A STATE SENATOR AND HIS WIFE
Walz revealed that the attacker also targeted Democratic State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman around 3:00 AM in the same city.
Walz noted that the attacker fired multiple times at Senator John Hoffman and his wife, and the couple was taken to the hospital with injuries. "The Hoffmans have just come out of surgery, and they seem to be doing well. We are optimistic that they will survive this assassination attempt," he said. In response to questions about the motivation for the attack, Walz described it as a "political act of violence."
ATTACKER STORMED THE HOUSE IN POLICE DISGUISE
Police officials speaking at a press conference confirmed that the attacker carried out the actions while disguised as a police officer. Authorities shared that after a brief confrontation with police teams responding to the incident, the attacker managed to escape. They stated that a large-scale operation has been launched to capture the male attacker, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also providing support to local and state law enforcement.
IDENTITY OF THE ATTACKER REVEALED
Meanwhile, according to reports from U.S. media citing law enforcement officials, the attacker has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. It was noted that Boelter is being sought as the prime suspect in connection with the attacks.
Sources indicated that the attacker left behind a manifesto, and it was stated that approximately a dozen Democratic names, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minnesota Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar, and State Attorney General Keith Ellison, were on the target list.
Local media outlet 5 Eyewitness News reported that documents show Boelter was appointed twice to the Governor's Workforce Development Council by Governor Walz, first during the tenure of former Governor Mark Dayton in 2016, and again in 2019. It was mentioned that Boelter worked as the director of security patrols at a private security company, and the company's website noted the use of "police-type vehicles" as part of its services.
TRUMP: NO TOLERANCE
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he has been informed about the attacks and emphasized that such horrific attacks will not be tolerated in the U.S.
According to a statement shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on the social media platform X, President Trump indicated that Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI are conducting an investigation related to the attack. Trump said, "Everyone involved in the incident will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There will never be tolerance for such horrific violence in the U.S. God bless the wonderful people of Minnesota. It is truly a great place." U.S. Attorney General Bondi also stated that she is "closely monitoring" developments in Minnesota following what appears to be a "targeted attack" on state lawmakers.
Bondi shared on her X account, "The FBI is investigating this case on the ground with state and local partners. There will be no tolerance for this horrific violence, and prosecution will be initiated to the fullest extent of the law."