Today's News: Targeted Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers Prompt National Manhunt
A politically motivated shooting spree in Minnesota left State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife hospitalized.
Photo: Abbie Parr/AP
Overview
Date: June 14, 2025
Topic: Targeted Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers Prompt National Manhunt
Summary: A politically motivated shooting spree in Minnesota left State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband dead, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife hospitalized. The suspect, Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old former security executive with political ties, is at large and believed to have impersonated a police officer during the attacks. Authorities recovered a list of nearly 70 potential targets, including Democratic lawmakers and pro-choice advocates, and a manifesto. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward. The shootings occurred amid ongoing political protests and followed a particularly tense legislative session.
Sources
The New York Times: Manhunt Underway for Suspect in Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers
CNN: Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman fatally shot, manhunt underway for suspect Vance Boelter
NBC News: Minnesota lawmakers shot, manhunt underway for Vance Boelter
Fox News: Vance Luther Boelter sought in fatal attack on Minnesota lawmakers
The Washington Post: Minnesota lawmaker shooting suspect Vance Boelter remains at large
The Wall Street Journal: Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman Killed, John Hoffman Wounded in Shootings
Key Points
Political Motivation: All sources agree that the attacks were politically motivated, with Boelter targeting Democratic lawmakers and abortion rights advocates.
Disguise and Tactics: Boelter impersonated a police officer, using a Ford Explorer outfitted like a squad car and possibly a mask to obscure his identity.
Target List and Manifesto: Authorities found a manifesto and a list with approximately 70 names, including elected officials and Planned Parenthood locations.
Background of Suspect: Boelter has a varied background—security company director, religious missionary, funeral home worker—with past appointments to state boards.
Wider Context: The shootings follow a tense legislative session in Minnesota and come amid national political violence, as emphasized across outlets.
Public and Law Enforcement Response: FBI and local authorities are coordinating a manhunt; political leaders across parties condemned the attack.
Unique Highlights
The New York Times: Details Boelter’s participation on the Workforce Development Board alongside Hoffman and his religious sermons in Congo denouncing LGBTQ+ identities.
CNN: Reports that the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward and shared that Boelter’s vehicle contained survival gear.
NBC News: Reveals victims attended a Democratic fundraiser hours before the attack and mentions that victims are being referred to by their number on Boelter’s list.
Fox News: Emphasizes Boelter’s international security experience and Ph.D. in leadership; quotes Trump promising prosecution.
The Washington Post: Provides extensive detail on bipartisan responses, including security updates and canceled protests. Notes other national threats.
The Wall Street Journal: Analyzes Hortman’s legislative strategy, especially in leveraging Democratic control for progressive legislation in 2023.
Contrasting Details
Extent of Political Ties: The New York Times confirms Boelter served with Hoffman on a state board but says it's unclear if they knew each other well; The Wall Street Journal notes “some overlap in public meetings” but not necessarily personal ties.
Suspect’s Escape: Some outlets (The Wall Street Journal, CNN) detail his escape on foot following a gunfight with police; others omit the precise moment of flight.
Focus on Broader Trends: The Washington Post and The New York Times situate the shootings within a larger pattern of political violence; Fox News avoids this framing, focusing on Boelter’s background.
Trump’s Role: CNN and Fox News both quote Trump condemning the violence, but CNN includes more detail about the parade and White House briefings. The Washington Post highlights statements from both Trump and Biden.
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