The suspect who kiIIed Rep. Melissa Hortman identified

UPDATE:

The suspect who kiIIed Rep. Melissa Hortman this morning has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, law enforcement tells @Julio_Rosas11

Boelter was a TIM WALZ appointee to one of the governor’s boards

WHAT A SHOCK – he’s connected to Tim Walz

Suspect on the Run Posing as Police Officer

Two Minnesota lawmakers have reportedly been shot in separate incidents at their homes, sparking a massive manhunt across the Minneapolis suburbs.

State Senator John Hoffman, 59, was targeted in his Champlin residence, while State Representative Melissa Hortman, 54, was shot in Brooklyn Park, according to law enforcement sources speaking to 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Both attacks are believed to have been carried out by a lone gunman impersonating a police officer, authorities say.

Police have issued an emergency alert warning residents in the area to remain indoors and avoid contact with the suspect, who is described as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants. He is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous.

The motive behind the brazen attacks remains unclear. It is not yet known whether the shootings were politically motivated or if the victims were specifically targeted for other reasons.

Emergency services flooded both neighbourhoods Friday morning, with SWAT teams seen moving door-to-door in Brooklyn Park in search of the suspect.

Governor Tim Walz confirmed the incidents on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“I’ve activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park will have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.”

As of now, the conditions of Senator Hoffman and Representative Hortman have not been publicly confirmed. Sources close to the investigation told reporters that both were transported to nearby hospitals.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.