A politically charged tragedy struck Minnesota on June 14. Authorities disclosed that the vehicle of fugitive suspect Vance Boelter—accused of killing former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife—contained stacks of “No Kings” flyers tied to anti-Trump protests.
Boelter, a 57-year-old with previous ties to Governor Tim Walz’s workforce board, masqueraded as a police officer using a rigged SUV with lights. He first attacked the Hoffmans in Champlin around 2 a.m., then proceeded five miles to Brooklyn Park to ambush Hortman’s home.
Investigators uncovered a manifesto listing over 70 political figures, including Gov. Walz, Rep. Ilhan Omar, and known abortion rights advocates, prompting a nationwide manhunt. While a photo confirms the presence of “No Kings” leaflets, officials have found no concrete tie between the suspect and planned protests. Authorities have advised the public to avoid demonstrations as precautionary safety measures.
The deadly attack spurred protest cancellations, shelter-in-place orders, and a $50,000 FBI reward for Boelter’s capture. Gov. Walz described the incident as political violence, urging unity against extremism. The public and officials now await justice as the investigation continues.
