Political Double Murder in Minnesota – Surveillance Cameras Show Suspected Attacker Moments Before the Assault

It was a matter of seconds—seconds of silence that suddenly shook the entire political climate: In two sharply captured security camera images, a man in a dark uniform is seen, equipped with tactical gear, a flashlight, and a deceptively realistic police outfit. His face is concealed by a distinctive, taut latex mask—expressionless, ghostly, mechanical. These images are seen by investigators as a key piece of evidence: They show Vance Luther Boelter, 57 years old, allegedly just moments before the double murder of two Democratic politicians in Minnesota. Melissa Hortman, former Speaker of the House, and her husband Mark were shot dead in their home in Brooklyn Park—apparently by a man posing as a police officer who entered under false pretenses. Almost simultaneously, Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were seriously wounded by gunfire at their home in Champlin, about 15 kilometers away. Police are calling it a targeted act of political violence. “We are cautiously optimistic that they will pull through,” said Governor Tim Walz regarding the Hoffmans.

Several AK-style assault rifles and flyers from the "No Kings" movement were later found in the suspect’s vehicle. Investigators believe this was a deliberate attack on liberal officeholders—especially those who have supported reproductive rights in the past. In 2023, Hortman was one of the leading forces behind a legislative package to protect abortion rights in Minnesota. She was known as a bridge-builder, a voice of reason—and yet became a prime target for right-wing extremists. After reaching a compromise with the Republican caucus, she stepped down from her leadership position in early 2025 but remained politically active. “She was a pillar of this democracy,” Walz said. “Now she’s been made a target.”

Boelter, a former political appointee associated with the Department of Labor, remains at large. The FBI has launched a nationwide manhunt. The images captured on surveillance cameras show a man with a weapon, a mask, and a deceptively realistic uniform. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture. The attacker is also believed to have carried lists with the names of additional lawmakers from across the country.

Security measures for public officials in Minneapolis and surrounding areas have been drastically increased. Many have been advised not to travel alone, to cancel public events, and to retreat from public life. The fear is that this may not be the last attack. The “No Kings” flyers found in Boelter’s vehicle suggest the attacker saw himself as part of a broader ideological battle. Political violence in the United States is no longer a fringe phenomenon—it now wears masks, uniforms, and carries weapons. It comes with forewarning, and it targets people who take a public stand. Two people are dead. Two more are seriously injured. And an entire state stands still—grieving, stunned, shaken.