The Associated Press has identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter.
BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. — Officials continue to search for a man they believe to be connected to the deadly targeted shootings of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. State Sen. John Hoffman, of Champlin, and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times at their home but are recovering, according to Gov. Tim Walz.
The Associated Press has identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. The suspect remains at large and is described as a white male with brown hair wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. State records show that Boelter served on the same state board as Sen. Hoffman.
A KARE 11 crew from Hortman’s home captured an SUV with a license plate that said “POLICE” being towed from the scene.
The shootings took place at the lawmakers’ homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, prompting a massive manhunt and shelter-in-place orders for thousands of residents.
When Brooklyn Park officers arrived at Rep. Hortman’s home, they said they noticed a police vehicle in the driveway with emergency lights on and what appeared to be a police officer coming out of the house, according to Chief Bruley.
“When our officers confronted them, the individual immediately fired upon the officers who exchanged gunfire and the suspect retreated back into the home,” Bruley said.
The suspect then fled out the back of the house on foot, abandoning the vehicle. Officers made “limited penetration” into the home to pull Mark Hortman to safety and attempt first aid, but he was pronounced dead shortly after.
Police impersonation tactics:
- Drove an SUV equipped with emergency lights that looked exactly like a police vehicle
- Wore a police vest, badge, taser and other equipment
- Knocked on doors asking residents to come outside while posing as law enforcement
- Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect used “the trust of this badge and this uniform to manipulate their way into the home.”
State Sen. John Hoffman, of Champlin, and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times at their home but are recovering, according to Gov. Tim Walz.
Manifesto found in suspect’s abandoned vehicle
Brooklyn Park police say they discovered a manifesto in the suspect’s abandoned vehicle that identified multiple lawmakers and other officials, according to Chief Bruley. Those named on the list have been alerted and provided security.
“There was a list of individuals and the individuals that were targeted in the situation were on that list,” Superintendent Evans said at a Saturday morning news conference.
The manhunt involves hundreds of officers from Brooklyn Park Police, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, FBI, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and State Patrol.
Public Safety Alert
Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place order for a 3-mile radius surrounding Edinburgh Golf Course. Chief Bruley warned residents:
Do not answer doors for single individuals claiming to be police
Call 911 to verify any officer at your door
Brooklyn Park officers will only travel in pairs or more during the search
Report any suspicious activity immediately