Minnesota Lawmaker Murdered in Suspected Assassination

Minnesota State Rep. Sydney Jordan reflected on the “unspeakable loss” of her colleague and friend, Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was shot and killed in what Gov. Tim Walz called a politically motivated assassination. In a CNN interview, Jordan mourned Hortman’s death, emphasized her impact and leadership, and condemned the violence, highlighting rising political tensions.

CNN reports that Vance Boelter, 57, the suspect in the shooting of Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota, worked for a security company that promoted “police type vehicles” and equipment, which may have helped him appear as a police officer during the attack. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz later confirmed Boelter was apprehended. Authorities described the incident as a politically motivated assassination, and analysts noted the suspect’s alleged tactics could undermine public trust in legitimate law enforcement. Investigators continue to provide updates as the case develops.

Authorities arrested Vance Boelter, 57, after a two-day manhunt in connection with the assassination of a Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and the wounding of another. Boelter, a father of five with a varied work history in the food, funeral, and security industries, had recently faced financial and mental health struggles, according to a close friend. He previously served on the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board, which also included State Senator John A. Hoffman, the surviving victim, though it’s unclear if they knew each other. While official records listed no party affiliation, a friend said Boelter voted for Donald Trump and opposed abortion; Gov. Tim Walz said the shooting appeared politically motivated, though the motive remains unclear. Boelter had also pursued missionary and business activities in central Africa, delivered sermons with socially conservative views, and claimed unverified security experience. Investigators found his car and hat in rural Sibley County; his wife and relatives cooperated with police but were not detained.