(UPDATE) MN Authorities Release Photos of Suspected Gunman

Brooklyn Park, MN (KROC-AM News) - A massive manhunt is underway in the Twin Cities for the gunman responsible for the murder of a state lawmaker, in what Governor Tim Walz has described as a politically motivated shooting.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety today identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter. He is described as white, 6' 1", 220 pounds with brown eyes and short hair. He was seen on surveillance video wearing a light colored cowboy hat, dark-colored long sleeve collared short or coat, light pants, and carrying a dark bag.

At a news conference earlier today, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said authorities first responded to a report of a shooting in Champlin around 2 a.m. and discovered that State Senator John Hoffman and his wife had been shot multiple times.  Evans stated that both were rushed to a nearby hospital to undergo emergency surgery and that there is cautious optimism they will recover.

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While personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies were at the crime scene in Champlin, Evans says police in nearby Brooklyn Park were asked to check on the welfare of State Representative Melissa Hortman. Officers discovered that the former House Speaker and her husband had been murdered. Evans stated that the officers sent to check on Hortman confronted the gunman, who managed to escape after an exchange of gunfire.

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley also spoke at the news conference and provided additional details. He indicated that the officers sent to the Hortman residence encountered what appeared to be a law enforcement vehicle in the driveway with its emergency lights activated.

When they pulled up to the home, Chief Bruley said the officers encountered a person who appeared to be a police officer exiting the house. The officers confronted that individual, who opened fire and fled back into the home during the exchange. It was later determined that the gunman had escaped out the back of the house.

Chief Bruley said the vehicle in the driveway looked exactly like a law enforcement vehicle, and the gunman was wearing a ballistic-style badge, a police vest, a Taser, and other law enforcement gear.

Thousands of residents in the Minneapolis suburb have been asked to shelter in place as the extensive manhunt continues, involving hundreds of law enforcement officers. Authorities have instructed people in the area to call 911 and verify the identity of anyone dressed as law enforcement before opening the door.

The Police Chief also indicated that a "manifesto" was found in the gunman's vehicle, listing several lawmakers and other officials who have since been alerted.

BCA Superintendent Evans told reporters that he manifesto found at the crime scene includes details about the gunman's motivation, which will be shared at a later time.

Governor Tim Walz issued a statement eulogizing Representative Hortman, describing her as "a formidable public servant and a fixture of the State Capitol." He went on to say that she "woke up every day determined to make our state a better place. She served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, and tirelessness."

Governor Walz added, "We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint," and emphasized the need to stand united against violence. He pledged that the state will spare no resources in bringing those responsible to justice, concluding his statement by saying, “We will not let fear win.”

Out of an abundance of caution, the governor also noted that the Minnesota Department of Public Safety is recommending that residents avoid attending political rallies until the suspect is apprehended.  The Associated Press has reported that organizers of the planned "No Kings" demonstrations have canceled the events in Minnesota.

The Rochester Police Department issued this statement in response to the attacks on the Minnesota legislators.

Our thoughts are with all those affected by the tragic events involving two Minnesota lawmakers in the Twin Cities area.
We recognize that incidents like this evoke fear, concern and uncertainty. Please know that the Rochester Police Department is actively engaged in statewide briefings with law enforcement leaders and is closely connected with the state's Emergency Operations Center to stay fully informed as the situation evolves. While there is no known threat to the Rochester community at this time, RPD already has additional officers on duty today in support of previously scheduled community events, further enhancing our readiness and visibility.

 

Given reports that the suspect may have impersonated a law enforcement officer, we want to reassure the community that all RPD officers on duty today will be in full official uniform, clearly marked with RPD patches. If you are ever in question of a police officer's authenticity, you may call the non-emergency line (507-328-6800) to verify.

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