Gunman Who Killed US Lawmaker Had Hit List of 45 Democrats, Say Police

A man arrested in connection with the murder of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, had compiled a hit list of 45 Democratic elected officials, authorities confirmed Monday. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, is facing both state and federal charges after what officials are calling one of the most brazen and politically motivated acts of violence in the state’s history.

Boelter, who is also accused of shooting and injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette, was apprehended late Sunday night after what Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described as “the largest manhunt in state history.” He appeared in court Monday and told the judge he could not afford a private attorney, despite owning multiple vehicles and a home.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said Boelter deliberately targeted lawmakers, describing the crimes as “the stuff of nightmares.” According to Thompson, Boelter posed as a police officer, wearing a tactical vest and a realistic silicone mask. He drove a black SUV outfitted with emergency lights and a license plate that read “POLICE.” Investigators say he knocked on lawmakers’ doors in the middle of the night with the intent to kill.

Police say the rampage began at Senator Hoffman’s home, where both he and his wife were shot and injured. Officers then responded to the Hortmans’ residence, where they encountered a man dressed in blue tactical gear. He fired at responding officers and fled the scene. It was only later that police confirmed Melissa and Mark Hortman had been killed.

Authorities recovered a list of targets from Boelter’s vehicle, which included both Hortman and Hoffman, as well as high-profile Democrats such as U.S. Senator Tina Smith and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said Boelter appeared prepared to continue the attacks had police not intervened.

Investigators also found flyers in Boelter’s car referencing “No Kings,” a slogan associated with anti-Trump protests held nationwide over the weekend. While officials have not confirmed a motive, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz labeled the shootings as “an act of targeted political violence.”

Federal officials are reviewing the case and say more charges are likely as the investigation continues.