CBS News logo
PBS NewsHour logo
NBC News logo
95 articles
·16m

Targeted Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers Spark Nationwide Outrage and Manhunt

Two Minnesota lawmakers were shot in their homes, resulting in one death and serious injuries, leading to a manhunt for the suspect, Vance Boelter.


Overview

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

  • Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a politically motivated attack, while Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were injured.
  • Authorities are searching for Vance Boelter, the suspect believed to have impersonated a police officer during the shootings.
  • The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter's arrest, as he remains at large.
  • A manifesto found in Boelter's vehicle contained a target list of lawmakers, raising concerns about political violence.
  • Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as targeted violence and urged the public to report any sightings of the suspect.

Content generated by AI—learn more or report issue.

Pano Newsletter

Get both sides in 5 minutes with our daily newsletter.

Analysis

Compare how each side frames the story — including which facts they emphasize or leave out.

Emphasizes the ongoing investigation and manhunt following the politically motivated shootings of lawmakers.

Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, with autopsies to determine the extent of their injuries.

PBS NewsHour logo
PBS NewsHour logo
Boston Globe logo
8 articles
50%

Hortman was the former House speaker and top House Democratic leader in the state Legislature.

PBS NewsHour logo
PBS NewsHour logo
Boston Globe logo
6 articles
67%

Authorities were actively searching for a suspect in the hours following targeted killings and shootings.

PBS NewsHour logo
PBS NewsHour logo
Boston Globe logo
6 articles
50%

The suspect fled from Hortman's house after exchanging gunfire with police, according to Police Chief Mark Bruley.

PBS NewsHour logo
PBS NewsHour logo
Boston Globe logo
5 articles
60%

President Trump announced that the FBI would be participating in the investigation in a White House statement.

PBS NewsHour logo
PBS NewsHour logo
Boston Globe logo
5 articles
60%

State Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat first elected in 2012, was identified as the wounded lawmaker.

PBS NewsHour logo
PBS NewsHour logo
Boston Globe logo
4 articles
75%

Authorities are conducting a large-scale manhunt in Minnesota to locate and apprehend a suspect believed to be on foot and at large.

Mother Jones logo
Rolling Stone logo
CNN logo
4 articles
75%

Multiple individuals have been detained and questioned by police, including people of interest, but no suspect is currently in custody.

The Guardian logo
TIME Magazine logo
CBS News logo
3 articles
67%

Brooklyn Park is under a shelter-in-place order as law enforcement continues a manhunt for the gunman who is still at large.

MSNBC logo
The Guardian logo
ABC News logo
3 articles
67%

A 'shelter in place' order was implemented on Saturday morning.

PBS NewsHour logo
PBS NewsHour logo
Boston Globe logo
3 articles
100%

Articles (95)

Compare how different news outlets are covering this story.

LeftCenterRight
Mother Jones
Mother Jones
MSNBC
MSNBC
Salon
Rolling Stone
PBS NewsHour
PBS NewsHour
PBS NewsHour
The Atlantic
The Guardian
The Guardian
The Guardian
Boston Globe
TIME Magazine
TIME Magazine
Wired
Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
CNN
CNN
CNN
El Pais
NBC News
NBC News
NBC News
NBC News
Chicago Sun-Times
NPR
NPR
Chicago Tribune
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
USA TODAY
Chicago Tribune
The Bulwark
The Bulwark
ABC News
ABC News
ABC News
ABC News
ABC News
ABC News
CBS News
CBS News
CBS News
CBS News
CBS News
Fortune
Fortune
Fortune
Associated Press
Associated Press
Associated Press
Associated Press
BBC News
BBC News
BBC News
World News Group
Boston Herald
Boston Herald
Boston Herald
FOX News
FOX News
FOX News
FOX News
FOX News
FOX News
FOX News
FOX News
Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner
Washington Examiner
New York Sun
The Spectator World
The Blaze
The Blaze
The Blaze
Newsmax
Newsmax
Newsmax
Newsmax
Newsmax
Breitbart News
Breitbart News
Breitbart News
Daily Caller
Epoch Times
Daily Signal
Western Journal
Western Journal
Western Journal
Western Journal
PJ Media
Minnesota Shooter’s List Reportedly Included Abortion Providers and Advocates
Mother JonesMother Jones·2h·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…The Minnesota shooter who killed a state lawmaker and her husband and wounded another legislator and his wife reportedly had a list containing dozens of other names, including abortion providers and advocates."

Two Minnesota Lawmakers Are Shot in Their Homes
Mother JonesMother Jones·1d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…A massive manhunt is underway in Minnesota, as law enforcement searches for the shooter responsible for the deaths of one state lawmaker and her spouse and the injuries of another lawmaker and his spouse, in what are described as two separate but “targeted shootings.”"

Minnesota lawmakers targeted in shooting
SalonSalon·1d·
Left
This outlet favors left-wing views.

"…The motive is still under investigation, but authorities said the attack was politically driven."

In Minnesota, America’s Luck Ran Out
The AtlanticThe Atlantic·21h·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The United States is a fraying society, torn apart by polarization, intense disagreement, and ratcheting extremism."

Manhunt continues for suspect in shootings of Minnesota lawmakers
The GuardianThe Guardian·5h·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The hunt for the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses while impersonating a police officer, killing one legislator and her husband, continued on Sunday more than 24 hours after the killings."

The attacks on Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota: what we know
The GuardianThe Guardian·18h·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The shootings appeared to be a 'political assassination' amid rising threats of political violence in the US."

Vance Boelter Bio: Suspect in Minnesota Lawmakers Attack
TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·4h·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The search for Vance Luther Boelter, the FBI-wanted man who is suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at their residences in the early hours of Saturday morning, has entered its second day."

Minnesota Lawmaker Melissa Hortman and Husband Assassinated
TIME MagazineTIME Magazine·1d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The targeted attacks in Minnesota occur at a time during which politically-motivated violence in the U.S. has been steadily on the rise."

Suspect in Minnesota Shooting Linked to Security Company, Evangelical Ministry
WiredWired·1d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The 57-year-old, who has been identified as the suspected shooter by law enforcement, runs an armed security service with his wife, and has been affiliated with at least one evangelical organization, a ministry he has also run with his wife, according to a tax filing reviewed by WIRED."

Manhunt under way in US for suspect who shot Minnesota lawmakers
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·10h·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…A massive search in the United States for a man who authorities say posed as a police officer and fatally shot a Democratic state lawmaker in Minnesota has stretched into a second day, with the state’s governor calling it “a politically motivated assassination”."

Minnesota lawmakers targeted in deadly US ‘politically motivated’ shootings
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera·1d·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…The shootings come at a time of great political polarisation in the US, at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated."

What we know about Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter
CNNCNN·19h·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.

"…A massive manhunt is ongoing to catch Boelter, 57, who authorities say is a suspect in killing one lawmaker and her husband and wounding another and his wife, leaving behind an apparent hit list with dozens of names in his car after exchanging fire with police outside the home of one victim and fleeing the scene."

Portrait of suspect in Minnesota 'politically motivated' shootings emerges amid massive manhunt
NBC NewsNBC News·2h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Authorities are piecing together a profile of the alleged gunman accused of killing a Democratic Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another in two separate “politically motivated” shootings on Saturday morning."

Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman remembered as a trailblazing public servant after fatal shooting
NBC NewsNBC News·23h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Before Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman became a nationally recognized figure following her fatal shooting death alongside her husband Saturday morning — an act public officials have called an act of "political violence" — she was revered by colleagues as a dedicated public servant."

Food worker with 'fantasy' of security career sought in Minnesota political shootings
NPRNPR·2h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Authorities said Boelter disguised himself as a law enforcement officer during the attack and news reports have focused on his apparent work as a security professional."

Minnesota state lawmaker killed, another wounded in targeted shootings
NPRNPR·1d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…This is a breaking news story about a politically motivated assassination that resulted in the deaths of a state lawmaker and her husband, and left another lawmaker and his wife wounded."

Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers
Chicago TribuneChicago Tribune·4h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The attacks prompted warnings to other state elected officials and the cancellation of planned “No Kings” demonstrations against President Donald Trump, though some went ahead anyway, including one that drew tens of thousands to the State Capitol in St. Paul."

Who is Vance Luther Boelter, the man wanted in the 'assassination' of a Minnesota lawmaker?
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·18h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter, now the subject of an intense manhunt as the prime suspect in the assassination of a Minnesota lawmaker, the murder of another person and the shootings of two others."

Minnesota 'No Kings' protests canceled after two lawmakers shot, 1 killed
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·1d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…All coordinated "No Kings" protests in Minnesota have been canceled after two state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in targeted attacks on Saturday."

Who are Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman, the Minnesota state lawmakers shot on Saturday
USA TODAYUSA TODAY·1d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…A gunman posing as a police officer who killed a senior Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband on Saturday in an apparent "politically motivated assassination," and wounded a second lawmaker and his spouse, remains on the run."

MAGA Push Lies As Minnesota Shooter Revealed To Be Trump Supporter
The BulwarkThe Bulwark·2h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Instead of facing this reality, prominent voices on the far right have pushed a conspiracy theory suggesting the killer was somehow motivated by left-wing grievance."

Tim Reacts To Horrific Shooting of Two Minnesota Lawmakers
The BulwarkThe Bulwark·1d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…what appears to be a politically motivated assassination of Democratic leaders."

Klobuchar on slain Minnesota lawmaker: 'Such a decent person'
ABC NewsABC News·2h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Klobuchar called political violence a "rampant problem" and said she "believes" that could have been one of the gunman's motivations for the Minnesota lawmaker shootings."

Search for suspect Vance Boelter enters 2nd day after attacks on Minnesota lawmakers
ABC NewsABC News·4h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The manhunt for 57-year-old Vance Boelter stretched into its second day following Saturday's twin attacks in Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and the discovery in the suspect's vehicle of an alleged target list of dozens of Minnesota Democrats."

Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers
ABC NewsABC News·15h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The shootings happened at a time when political leaders nationwide have been attacked, harassed and intimidated amid deep political divisions."

Gov. Tim Walz, other Minnesota leaders pay tribute to legislators shot at homes
ABC NewsABC News·1d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The shooting of two state lawmakers in Minnesota has sparked outrage and grief among leaders, with Governor Tim Walz condemning the attack as a horrific act of political violence."

Minnesota Rep. Hortman and husband killed, Sen. Hoffman and wife wounded in politically motivated shootings, Gov. Walz says
CBS NewsCBS News·1d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, and state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in politically motivated shootings overnight, Gov. Tim Walz said Saturday."

Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers
FortuneFortune·4h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Law enforcement officers including local police, sheriffs and the FBI, stage less than a mile from a shooting in Brooklyn Park, Minn. on Saturday."

Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith contemplates increased security after shooting of Democratic lawmakers
Associated PressAssociated Press·3h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The attack that killed Hortman, her husband Mark and gravely wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife was a nightmare scenario for the thousands of Americans who serve as legislators across the 50 states and in Washington."

Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers
Associated PressAssociated Press·16h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The attacks prompted warnings to other state elected officials and the cancellation of planned “No Kings” demonstrations against President Donald Trump, though some went ahead anyway."

Minnesota's slain Democratic leader lived the political divisions in the US every day
Associated PressAssociated Press·1d·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The shootings shocked a state that prides its politics as being “Minnesota nice,” even despite higher partisan tensions in recent years."

Manhunt for suspect in Minnesota lawmaker attacks underway
BBC NewsBBC News·3h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…Despite the frantic search under way across the region, the city of Brooklyn Park, where Rep. Hortman lived, was still and silent on Sunday morning as the neighbourhood came to terms with the deadly attack."

What we know about the attack on two Minnesota lawmakers
BBC NewsBBC News·18h·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.

"…The attacks left one politician dead and another seriously injured."

Who are the shooting victims in the 'targeted' attacks against Minnesota lawmakers?
FOX NewsFOX News·20h·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…One Minnesota lawmaker and her husband are dead and a senator and his wife are injured as authorities search for the shooter in what officials are calling "targeted" attacks on political figures and their families."

Minnesota teams pay tribute after shooting of Democratic politicians, spouses
FOX NewsFOX News·1d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…The Minnesota Twins are horrified and heartbroken by the murder of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark and the attempted killing of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette."

Who is Vance Luther Boelter? Suspect in Minnesota lawmaker killings identified
FOX NewsFOX News·1d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…Authorities have reportedly identified a suspect wanted in connection with an early-morning shooting that left one Minnesota lawmaker and her husband dead, and a second lawmaker and his wife injured."

Two dead as Minnesota lawmakers and spouses shot by man impersonating police - Washington Examiner
Washington ExaminerWashington Examiner·1d·
Leans Right
This outlet slightly leans right.

"…A gunman impersonating a police officer shot and killed Democratic former Minnesota House Speaker Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Saturday morning at their home after wounding Democratic State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in a similar shooting."

Manhunt for Suspect in Politically Motivated Minnesota Shootings Spreads Across Midwest as Shooter Evades Police for Second Day
New York SunNew York Sun·5h·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The manhunt for the suspect accused of murdering the Democratic House leader of Minnesota and her husband and shooting a state senator and his wife has expanded to South Dakota as federal officials are assisting state police and offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest."

The Spectator WorldThe Spectator World·21h·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…A state that was seen as a representative of the nation’s best qualities now reflects its worst."

Police detain suspected assassin’s wife with cash, passports, weapon, ammunition
The BlazeThe Blaze·2h·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The wife of the man suspected of assassinating the former speaker of the Minnesota House and her husband was detained by police about 85 miles north of the Twin Cities riding in a vehicle containing cash, passports, a weapon, and ammunition."

Suspect tied to Walz? Democrat governor may have appointed alleged Minnesota shooter to state board
The BlazeThe Blaze·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The main suspect in the horrific fatal shooting of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband may have played a role in state government after receiving an appointment from two Democrat governors, including Gov. Tim Walz."

'Politically motivated assassination': Minnesota Democrat rep and husband gunned down — state senator, wife wounded
The BlazeThe Blaze·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The shooting of Minnesota lawmakers has been described as a politically motivated assassination, resulting in the tragic death of Rep. Melissa Hortman and serious injuries to Sen. John Hoffman and his wife."

Norm Coleman to : 'Toxic Environment' Led to Minnesota Shootings
NewsmaxNewsmax·6h·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…We live in a toxic environment where those on the other side are described as Hitler, going to destroy the country."

FBI Offering $50K Reward in Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings
NewsmaxNewsmax·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…A manhunt continues in search of Boelter, the suspect in the killings of Democrat State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, each of whom died of multiple gunshot wounds, and in the shootings of Democrat state Sen. John Hoffman, who was shot several along with his wife, Yvette, who both survived the attack, reports The New York Times."

Officials: Searching for a 57-year-old Man in Shooting of Lawmakers
NewsmaxNewsmax·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The brazen attack on the lawmakers has been described as targeted political violence, highlighting the disturbing trend of violence against political figures."

Officials: Searching for a 57-year-old Man in Shooting of Lawmakers
NewsmaxNewsmax·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The brazen attack at their home early Saturday resulted in the tragic deaths of a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband, marking a disturbing instance of targeted political violence."

Minn. State Rep, Spouse Killed in 'Targeted' Attack, 2 Others Critical
NewsmaxNewsmax·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…A Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband were killed Friday night and others have been shot in what authorities are calling "multiple targeted attacks.""

Wife of Suspected Minnesota Lawmaker Killer Vance Boelter Detained by Police
Breitbart NewsBreitbart News·2h·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous after allegedly committing a politically motivated act of violence that resulted in the deaths of a state representative and her husband."

Organizers Cancel Some MN 'No Kings' Protests After Lawmakers Shot
Breitbart NewsBreitbart News·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…Some “No Kings” protests scheduled for Saturday in Minnesota have reportedly been cancelled following the fatal shootings of a state lawmaker and her husband at their home early Saturday."

Minnesota Police: 'No Kings' Flyers Found in Car of Democrat Legislator's Suspected Murderer
Breitbart NewsBreitbart News·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The police have not identified a suspect, nor a motive, but the murdered legislator was a Democrat leader who voted with Republican legislators for a budget deal that ended healthcare funding for the state’s growing population of illegal migrants."

Democratic State Lawmaker, Husband Killed In ‘Politically-Motivated Assassination’
Daily CallerDaily Caller·1d·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…The killing of Democratic Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband in their home is described as a politically-motivated assassination, marking a tragic event of political violence."

Massive Manhunt for Suspect in Shooting of 2 Minnesota Lawmakers Enters 2nd Day
Epoch TimesEpoch Times·3h·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

"…A massive federal and state manhunt for a suspect accused of fatally shooting a Minnesota state lawmaker entered its second day on Sunday."

'No Kings' Protests Canceled Across Minnesota After Targeted Assassinations Appear to Be Linked
Western JournalWestern Journal·1d·
Far Right
This outlet leans heavily toward right-wing views.

"…The event organizers for Saint Paul, the capital city of Minnesota, released a statement early Saturday afternoon revealing the cancelation of the protests, per CBS News."

Police Evidence Links Politically-Motivated Assassination to 'No Kings' Protests
Western JournalWestern Journal·1d·
Far Right
This outlet leans heavily toward right-wing views.

"…The suspect in the Hortman shooting had flyers for the nationwide “No Kings” protests in the vehicle, according to State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic, per the Associated Press."

Breaking: Alleged Political Assassin Believed to Be Former Tim Walz Appointee
Western JournalWestern Journal·1d·
Far Right
This outlet leans heavily toward right-wing views.

"…The suspect connected to the assassination and wounding of two separate Minnesota Democratic lawmakers and their spouses was a former appointee of Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz."

What Does the Minnesota Shooter’s Manifesto Say?
PJ MediaPJ Media·20h·
Far Right
This outlet leans heavily toward right-wing views.

"…The public has a right to know what motivated this assassin, especially since he is still, as of this writing, on the run."

FAQ

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.

History

A summary of how this story has evolved over the last 24 hours.

  • 3h
    TIME Magazine logo
    FOX News logo
    ABC News logo
    81 articles
  • 9h
    Al Jazeera logo
    ABC News logo
    Associated Press logo
    72 articles
  • 17h
    USA TODAY logo
    BBC News logo
    The Guardian logo
    69 articles
  • 1d
    Boston Herald logo
    Breitbart News logo
    CBS News logo
    48 articles
  • 1d
    The Blaze logo
    Al Jazeera logo
    TIME Magazine logo
    27 articles