15-06-2025

Minnesota Lawmakers Attacked in Politically Motivated Shooting

Date: 15-06-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 4 | nytimes.com: 5 | scmp.com: 1
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Source: nytimes.com

Image content: The image is a legal document titled "State of Minnesota County of Hennepin" and subtitled "District Court 4th Judicial District." The document presents a complaint against Vance Luther Boelter, who is accused of murdering two individuals with a firearm on June 14, 2025. The charges are outlined in two counts, each detailing the alleged crime and the relevant Minnesota statutes. The main subject is a formal complaint filed in a Minnesota district court.

Summary

Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman were targeted in a shooting attack by Vance Boelter, who impersonated a police officer. Hortman and her husband were killed, while Hoffman and his wife were injured. Boelter was later captured and charged with murder and attempted murder. The incident has sparked concerns about the growing polarization and violence in American politics.

Key Points

  • Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were injured in a shooting attack
  • The suspect, Vance Boelter, impersonated a police officer to gain access to their homes
  • Boelter was later captured and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder
  • The attack was considered a 'politically motivated assassination' by Governor Tim Walz
  • The incident has raised concerns about the growing polarization and violence in American politics

Articles in this Cluster

Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman targeted by gunman, suspect at largeBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

A manhunt is underway in Minnesota for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, who targeted and killed Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter impersonated a police officer to gain access to their homes. Hoffman is stable after surgery. The attack is considered an 'act of targeted political violence' by Governor Tim Walz. A $50,000 reward is offered for information leading to Boelter's arrest.
Entities: Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, Vance Luther Boelter, Minnesota, Governor Tim WalzTone: urgentSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Live updates: Minnesota suspect Vance Boelter captured after manhunt in Melissa Hortman killing | CNNClose icon

Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter was captured on Sunday after a massive manhunt. Boelter is charged with two counts of murder in the second degree and two counts of attempted murder in the second degree for shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses. State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife survived the attack. The suspect was apprehended in rural Sibley County using advanced technology, including surveillance drones and infrared. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz praised law enforcement for their efforts and emphasized the need for civility and humility in the face of violence.
Entities: Vance Boelter, Minnesota, Melissa Hortman, John Hoffman, Tim WalzTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Melissa Hortman: Who was the Minnesota state representative assassinated in her home? | CNNClose icon

Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were assassinated at their home in Brooklyn Park. Hortman was a prominent Democrat who served as Speaker of the House from 2019 to 2025. The suspect, Vance Boelter, is still at large. Hortman was remembered for her dedication to public service, her work on climate and education issues, and her leadership in the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.
Entities: Melissa Hortman, Minnesota, Brooklyn Park, Vance Boelter, Democratic-Farmer-Labor PartyTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Video: Minnesota lawmaker speaks out after the assassination of her colleague | CNNClose icon

Minnesota State Representative Sydney Jordan speaks out about the assassination of her colleague, State Representative Melissa Hortman, describing it as an 'unspeakable loss'. The killing is considered a 'politically motivated assassination' by Governor Tim Walz.
Entities: Sydney Jordan, Melissa Hortman, Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz, CNNTone: emotionalSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Video: What we know about Vance Boelter, the Minnesota shooting suspect | CNNClose icon

The article discusses Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old suspect who allegedly shot Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota. Boelter worked for a security company that advertised 'police type vehicles' and equipment, potentially aiding him in appearing to be a police officer. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz confirmed Boelter's apprehension. The incident is described as a 'politically motivated assassination.'
Entities: Vance Boelter, Minnesota, CNN, Jocelyn Contreras, Tim WalzTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Inside Trump’s Extraordinary Turnaround on Immigration Raids - The New York Times

President Trump has changed his stance on immigration raids, deciding to spare undocumented workers in the agriculture, restaurant, and hotel industries from enforcement. This decision was influenced by concerns from farmers and agricultural groups, who rely heavily on immigrant labor. Trump's top aides, including Stephen Miller, had pushed for a hard-line approach, but the president was persuaded by his Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins. The new guidance was communicated to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, but it remains unclear how effective it will be and whether Trump will stick to his decision. The move reveals tension between Trump's deportation efforts and concerns about maintaining support in his political coalition.
Entities: Donald Trump, Brooke Rollins, Stephen Miller, Tatum King, Anna KellyTone: analyticalSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

Like School Shootings, Political Violence Is Becoming Almost Routine - The New York Times

The article discusses the recent assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker, Melissa Hortman, and her husband, as well as the attempted murder of another lawmaker, John A. Hoffman, and his wife. It highlights how political violence has become increasingly common in the US, with various incidents of violence and threats against politicians, election officials, and others. The article notes that while most Americans do not support political violence, a growing share view rival partisans as a threat to the country. It also touches on the role of rhetoric and disinformation in fueling this violence.
Entities: Melissa Hortman, John A. Hoffman, Minnesota, US, The New York TimesTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Minnesota, Known for Bipartisan Civility, Reels After Attack on Lawmakers - The New York Times

Minnesota, known for its bipartisan culture and civic involvement, is reeling after a shooting attack on lawmakers, killing State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and injuring State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife. Authorities believe the attack was politically motivated, and the suspect, a 57-year-old man, is still at large. The incident has shocked the state, with many lawmakers and politicians expressing their outrage and sadness, and has raised concerns about the growing polarization and violence in American politics.
Entities: Minnesota, Melissa Hortman, John A. Hoffman, The New York Times, Democratic PartyTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Minnesota Shootings Live Updates: Suspect in Attacks on Lawmakers Is Detained - The New York Times

A suspect, Vance Boelter, has been arrested in connection with the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, Representative Melissa Hortman and State Senator John A. Hoffman. Boelter, 57, was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder. The suspect impersonated a police officer during the attacks and had a notebook with around 70 potential targets. The manhunt was the largest in Minnesota's history, involving multiple law enforcement agencies. Governor Tim Walz praised the authorities for their efforts and called for an end to political violence.
Entities: Vance Boelter, Minnesota, Representative Melissa Hortman, State Senator John A. Hoffman, Governor Tim WalzTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

What We Know About the Suspect in the Minnesota Lawmakers Shootings - The New York Times

Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old man, has been taken into custody for the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, State Senator John A. Hoffman and State Representative Melissa Hortman. Boelter had served on a state economic board with Hoffman and had attended a virtual meeting with him in 2022. Boelter's political affiliations are unclear, but he has expressed conservative views, including opposition to abortion and criticism of LGBTQ+ individuals. He has a varied professional history, including work in the funeral industry, agricultural projects in central Africa, and security services. Boelter's motives for the shooting are still unclear, but Governor Tim Walz has described the attack as a 'politically motivated assassination.'
Entities: Vance Boelter, Minnesota, The New York Times, John A. Hoffman, Mark DaytonTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman’s shooting texted friend he ‘might be dead soon’ | South China Morning Post

A manhunt is underway in Minnesota for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, suspected of killing state legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband, and wounding state Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Boelter had links to evangelical ministries and claimed to be a security expert with experience in the Gaza Strip and Africa. A friend who shared a house with Boelter received a text from him saying 'he might be dead soon', prompting the friend to contact the police.
Entities: Vance Luther Boelter, Melissa Hortman, Minnesota, John Hoffman, FBITone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform