A quiet Minnesota night turned into a deadly manhunt as a masked gunman opened fire on Democratic Party leaders in their homes.

Authorities are searching for 57-year-old Vance Boelter after a pair of politically motivated attacks early Saturday left two prominent state lawmakers wounded and two others dead in suburban Minneapolis, as the Daily Mail reports.

The violence began just after 2 a.m. on June 14 in Champlin, a Minneapolis suburb, when state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times inside their residence. Both survived after undergoing emergency surgery but remain hospitalized in serious condition. According to the family, Yvette is awake and responsive, while John's future remains uncertain.

Roughly two hours later, around 4 a.m., State Representative Melissa Hortman, who previously served as Speaker of the House, and her husband Mark were shot and killed in their Brooklyn Park home, located just minutes away from the earlier scene. Responding authorities engaged in a brief firefight with the suspect, but he escaped.

Suspect named

Police quickly identified the attacker as Vance Boelter, a trained security specialist with a decades-long career in both private defense and military-adjacent roles. Boelter once worked with one of his victims, Senator Hoffman, as a former appointee to the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board. His experience included directing international armed security details and holding leadership roles with Praetorian Guard Security Services.

Authorities say Boelter was disguised in a fake police uniform and a full-coverage Halloween-style mask during his attacks. He drove a vehicle modeled to resemble a law enforcement cruiser and fled the scene before being spotted hours later near downtown Minneapolis wearing a cowboy hat. The FBI believes he may have fled the Twin Cities and could be seeking refuge elsewhere.

Inside Boelter’s abandoned vehicle, investigators reportedly discovered an unsettling cache: a personal manifesto expressing political rage, protest signs referencing a “NO KINGS” anti-Trump rally set for the weekend, and a “target list” naming 70 individuals and sites. Targets included politicians, pro-choice advocates, doctors, Planned Parenthood clinics, and community leaders -- some as far away as other U.S. states.

Texts retrieved from Boelter’s phone revealed he messaged his roommates just before the crimes, saying, “I’m going to be gone for a while... I may be dead shortly.” Federal officials now say the killings were part of a politically motivated assassination plot likely fueled by extremist beliefs, including religious fervor, anti-abortion ideology, and support of former President Donald Trump.

Friends baffled by accusations

Boelter’s roommate and friend, David Carlson, described the accused shooter as social and well-liked, adding, “I don’t know why he did what he did... It’s not Vance.” Carlson expressed anguish over being unable to prevent the attack, telling KARE11 he wished he “could have been there to stop him.”

Others echoed the disbelief. “It’s just shocking that this would happen,” said Mat Ollig, the Hoffmans’ nephew, speaking to the New York Times. He shared that Yvette was recovering well, though the future for John remains unclear.

Boelter's professional biography on his security firm’s website boasted of “many on-the-ground experiences” and specialized training through both private and military channels. The description emphasized his commitment to “keeping your family and property safe”-- a chilling irony in light of his alleged actions.

Reactions, grief pour in

The shocking attacks have prompted national attention, with a $50,000 reward now being offered by the FBI for actionable information leading to Boelter’s arrest. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz condemned the violence, stating, “Today, Minnesota lost a great leader. Violence has no place in our political system -- and it must end.”

Echoing the sentiment, former Minnesota senator and St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman said the scale of the crimes was “incomprehensible and unimaginable,” particularly in a state historically known for its civility in political discourse.

Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson shared condolences online for the Hortmans and the Hoffmans, expressing heartbreak over the loss of public figures murdered at home and the critical injuries sustained by the survivors.

Lessons to learn

While no one can predict or entirely prevent acts of senseless violence, there are key takeaways from this tragedy that may help protect public figures and civilians alike:

1. Stay vigilant about personal security. Lawmakers and community leaders, especially those with high-profile political stances, should review their home security measures, including surveillance systems and emergency planning. If you or someone you know is on the receiving end of threats, it's crucial to report them right away.

2. Recognize red flags from acquaintances. Boelter reportedly sent troubling texts before committing the crimes. When someone expresses finality or suicidal ideation linked with angry or extremist remarks, it's a serious sign. Speaking up to professionals or alerting the authorities can save lives.

3. Remember -- victims are never to blame. Regardless of how careful or prepared someone may be, crime can still strike the unsuspecting. We must avoid blame and instead focus energy on support and community healing.

Why this story matters

This story is a chilling reminder of how political violence can erupt even in environments long considered safe.

It demonstrates how extremist ideology can push individuals into violent action, with devastating consequences. Understanding these events helps communities unite against hate and play a more active role in protecting their civic leaders.