Intensified Manhunt for Minnesota Lawmaker Attacker Spreads to South Dakota

Sat Oct 25 2025 04:07:39 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A suspect has been identified in a shocking attack that left a Minnesota lawmaker dead and another severely injured, prompting a cross-state manhunt.

The hunt for Vance Luther Boelter intensified as police extended their search to South Dakota following the assassination of Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and the shooting of Senator John Hoffman. A federal reward has been offered as the investigation uncovers alarming details about a potential politically motivated attack.

The intense manhunt for the suspect in the tragic shooting of Minnesota lawmakers entered its second day on Sunday, with authorities extending their search to South Dakota. The incident, which occurred early Saturday morning, claimed the life of state Representative Melissa Hortman and left state Senator John Hoffman critically injured, along with his wife, Yvette.

Law enforcement has identified Vance Luther Boelter, 57, as the principal suspect, alleging that he impersonated a police officer to carry out the attacks. In a bid to expedite the search, federal authorities announced a $50,000 reward for any information leading to Boelter's capture. Both lawmakers were affiliated with Minnesota's Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, a state branch of the national Democratic Party.

Senator Hoffman and his wife underwent surgery after suffering multiple gunshot wounds, prompting Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to express cautious optimism regarding their recovery. He noted that despite the shocking circumstances, the focus should remain on honoring the legacy of Representative Hortman. "It’s not about us; it is about this incredible woman that we lost," commented US Senator Amy Klobuchar, who represents Minnesota.

The attack is suspected to have political motivation, with authorities discovering a list of targets in Boelter’s vehicle that included several Democratic officials supporting abortion rights, further alarmingly amplifying the incident as a politically charged act of violence.

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith confirmed her name was on the recovered target list, escalating concerns about the safety of lawmakers expressing progressive views. The FBI has since added Boelter to their most wanted list, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

As the manhunt continued, the normally peaceful neighborhood of Brooklyn Park was abuzz with shock and grief. Residents, including neighbor Taha Abuisnaineh, expressed disbelief over the tragedy that unfolded in what they described as a quiet community. "They were very nice neighbors in a very quiet neighborhood,” he noted, recalling the kindness of the Hortman family.

With police presence heightened around the Hortman residence, the city continues to grapple with the loss of a beloved public figure, reflecting on the deep community connections that Representative Hortman fostered during her tenure.