Minnesota Democrat Found Dead After Controversial Migrant Funding Vote — Suspect Remains at Large
Tragedy has struck Minnesota after a shocking series of shootings left two state lawmakers targeted and one fatally shot, sparking outrage and an intense statewide manhunt.
Melissa Hortman, former Minnesota House Speaker Emerita and a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL), was found murdered alongside her husband, Mark Hortman, at their home in Brooklyn Park.
Just a day before, a news report featuring an emotional Hortman went viral — showing her visibly upset after voting against healthcare funding for undocumented immigrants in Minnesota.
That budget decision was highly controversial, as it made Hortman the only member of her party to oppose the measure, citing concerns over cost overruns in the state program.
Some online speculations have suggested a possible link between her political stance and the tragedy, although officials have not confirmed a direct connection.
In a separate but related attack, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also targeted in a shooting at their home in Champlin. Both survived, though they suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities have identified Vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the suspect connected to the early-morning shootings.
Boelter, who remains at large, reportedly fled on foot after a gunfight with police. A search of his abandoned vehicle uncovered a manifesto naming multiple Minnesota lawmakers as intended targets.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley confirmed that “politically motivated violence” is being investigated as a leading theory, though no official motive has been declared.
Authorities also discovered flyers linked to the “No Kings” protests, nationwide demonstrations opposing President Trump’s administration.
In response to the attacks, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the violence, and the State Emergency Operations Center has been activated to coordinate the ongoing search for Boelter.
The Minnesota State Patrol urged residents to avoid public protests out of caution due to the ongoing threat.
🚨Melissa Hortman sounded fearful after voting to repeal healthcare for illegal aliens
Almost as if she knew that her base would become unhinged
She and her husband were tragically shot and killed. A targeted attack, per Gov. Walz.
Was her vote the motive? pic.twitter.com/ebQjP5y5lm
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) June 14, 2025
Boelter’s background has raised further questions. According to his LinkedIn profile, he’s listed as the CEO of Red Lion Group, reportedly operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, a security company linked to his family.
His experience reportedly spans security operations across multiple continents, including North America, Africa, and Eastern Europe.
As the search continues, the motive behind these targeted attacks remains under investigation.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward immediately.
Stay with us for more updates as this story develops.
