Manhunt for Minnesota shooter continues, on FBI’s most wanted list

Authorities on Sunday say they found the car of the man wanted in connection with the shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses, killing one of the couples. The suspect, Vance Boelter, 57, was not with the car.

Drew Evans with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said Sunday authorities are seeking the public’s help locating Boelter, who is considered armed and dangerous.

“We are asking for the public’s help at this point in time in locating Vance Luther Boelter, who is a 57-year-old white male, 6 feet 1 inches tall, 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes,” Evans said. “We still don’t know if additional people are involved, but this individual is the one that we are looking as a person of interest now.”

Boelter’s wife was reportedly stopped near Onamia, Minnesota, on Saturday and found with a weapon, ammunition, cash and passports, according to KSTP Channel 5. KSTP reported that Boelter’s wife was the subject of a traffic stop at a convenience store located near Onamia late Saturday morning in a vehicle carrying at least three other relatives of the accused shooter.

Authorities also think Boelter is no longer in the area of the shootings and issued an alert to South Dakota authorities.

House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed early Saturday in what Gov. Tim Walz called a politically-motivated assassination.

State Sen. John Hoffman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and his wife also were shot about 2 a.m., and Hortman and her husband were found about 90 minutes later.

The gunman allegedly escaped through a back door of Hortman’s house following an exchange of gunfire with police. Media outlets reported that Boelter had a list of about 70 names in his vehicle which included the lawmakers who were shot, other lawmakers and abortion providers.

The shootings happened seven miles away from each other, and law enforcement officials have called both shootings “targeted.”

Boelter was appointed by Walz to serve on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2019. Various media outlets reported that he is the director of Praetorian Guard Security Services, where he had access to police-like security equipment.

The FBI said it is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest of Boelter.

A Quick Bible Study Vol. 272: On Father’s Day, What the Bible Says About ‘Our Father’ on Father’s Day

hanks for joining our study on “earthly” Father’s Day, but in the Bible, every day is “Our Father’s Day.” And, according to Jesus, perhaps today should be named “One Father’s Day” since He said:

“And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9).

Jesus was channeling the prophet Malachi, a “messianic messenger” author of the Old Testament’s self-named last book.  Malachi wrote:

“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?” (Malachi 2:10). 

Jesus also said: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).

So much to ponder here. Let’s start with the theological truth that Jesus’s relationship with God the Father is central to His identity and mission. Cue His most famous “Lord’s prayer.” When acknowledging His Father, Jesus instructed His disciples to “pray then like this”:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Mathew 6:9-13).

Jesus begins the prayer by addressing “Our Father,” indicating that He has a relationship with the Almighty and invites humankind to enter that relationship. However, the notion of any person, regardless of status, having a “relationship” with God was then (and still can be) considered somewhat radical, unrealistic, or downright scary. Further complicating the theology is the verse we just read in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” And again in Matthew,  “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9).

Indeed, all this “truth” is difficult to comprehend and can be perceived as insulting to earthly fathers, but Jesus was speaking from a heavenly, eternal perspective. The larger question is how can Jesus be “one” with the Father? My simplistic answer is that to believe in Jesus, one must know with every fiber of one’s being that He is God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And then act accordingly, living your life trying to glorify Him with your gifts and talents.

To recap: Jesus prays to His Father and Our Father. He invites us to pray along. At the same time, “I and the Father are one” means that He existed in two persons while on earth. Then, after Jesus was resurrected, He sent His Holy Spirit to complete the Trinity.

I have always appreciated how C.S. Lewis explains the Trinity in “Mere Christianity,” his classic 1952 published book. Lewis discussed how Christ was manifested as one triune God, much like water, ice, and steam. All three are water, but exist in different forms and appear naturally. That water analogy resonates because water is the vital element for all living things, and rebirth is through the water of baptism.

The magnificence of Jesus is that he is our approachable father, a human who walked the earth. He was betrayed and suffered death on the cross. And if He were only human, His story could have ended there. But He was divine, and now His Holy Spirit lives and dwells among us. He is a loving father, and we are invited to be His children. Do you talk to Him? I do. My favorite time is when my head hits the pillow and I “tell” Him what is on my mind. You might try doing the same. Jesus wants a relationship with us as Fathers long for relationships with their children.

God, like earthly fathers, showed His love by applauding His son’s actions during two pivotal events in the New Testament. First at Jesus’ baptism:

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:16-17).

The second time the Father proudly praised His son from heaven was at the “Transfiguration.” On a high mountain top:

“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus…a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”  (Matthew 17:1-6).

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently refers to God as “Father.” John’s Gospel records Jesus referring to the Father more than 100 times. The following passage is especially revealing on Father’s Day and every day when you are seeking the Father for challenges or blessings in your life. Partially quoted below:

“Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus answered..  “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?’” (John 14:9).

As previously noted, this is a complex theological concept. However, with great authority, Jesus explains to Philip who He is in relation to His Father:

“‘The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it’” (John 14:8-14).

Any doubters out there? Raise your hand, (if you dare). Speaking truth to His power, Jesus teaches us how and why He reigns supreme with His heavenly Father. Recall that God at the Transfiguration said, “Listen to Him!” and especially at the end of Matthew:

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

The power of our Heavenly Father has spoken on Father’s Day. And again, “Listen to Him!”  Amen!

North Carolina law states that when the legislature is in session, if a Governor doesn’t sign or veto a bill within 10 days, not including Sundays, it becomes law. The state’s legislature is in session until the end of July.

NC Gov. Stein signs 3 bills, waits to take action on guns or immigration

In a Friday morning event at the North Carolina Governor’s Mansion, Gov. Josh Stein hosted a bipartisan group of lawmakers and Council of State members to sign three bills into law.

Those bills overhauled who is in charge of investing state pension funds, allow licensed social workers to apply to offer services across state lines, and another that allows long-serving officers to continue working without forfeiting a “special separation allowance.”

Stein did not take any action on more controversial pieces of legislation the General Assembly sent him this week. Those include a bill letting people carry concealed weapons without a permit and a pair of immigration bills.

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What we know about Minnesota shooting suspect Vance Boelter

Authorities identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspected gunman wanted for allegedly shooting and killing a state representative and shooting and wounding a state senator in a targeted act of violence.

Authorities said they’re still investigating if Boelter knew the victims in Saturday’s shootings: State Rep. Melissa Hortman and State Sen. John Hoffman. But Boelter did serve on a state board alongside Hoffman.

It is believed that the third photo in this wanted poster shows the suspect at one of the lawmakers’ homes early Saturday. Authorities said the suspect was impersonating a police officer. Police believe that when the shooter opened fire, he was wearing a latex mask that looked realistic, sources said.

Authorities said they’ve identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as a person of interest.© FBI

Boelter — a husband and father, according to an online biography — has touted an extensive background in security and military training, according to an ABC News review of his online presence and professional history.

Boelter helped lead the private security firm Praetorian Guard Security Services, which is based in the Twin Cities area, according to the company website.

Boelter’s biography on that site said he’s been “involved with security situations in Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East, including the West Bank, Southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.”

“He brings a great security aspect forged by many on the ground experiences combined with training by both private security firms and by people in the U.S. Military,” the biography said, adding that he’s “focused all this experience” to make sure Praetorian Guard “covers the needs you have to keep your family and property safe.”

The security firm’s site says they “only offer armed security,” and that they use “the same make and model of vehicles that many police departments use in the U.S.”

Boelter’s role as a local businessman appeared to help build inroads into state politics. In 2016, Boelter was appointed to the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board, which is tasked with analyzing and recommending policy to the governor and legislature on workforce and resources. Boelter’s appointment as a private sector representative from then-Gov. Mark Dayton came due to the “special trust and confidence” he had earned in his “integrity, judgment, and ability,” according to his official notice of appointment. Boelter was reappointed in 2019 by Walz.

Boelter appeared to have an interest in electoral outcomes, posting on LinkedIn six years ago, urging “everyone to vote in the election on Tuesday.”

Police released this photo of Boelter taken on Saturday.

Authorities said they’ve identified 57-year-old Vance Boelter as a person of interest.© KSTP

Dozens of Minnesota Democrats were on a target list written by the gunman, according to law enforcement sources.

Those on the list included Gov. Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith and state Attorney General Keith Ellison, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the matter.

Police said the list — which was retrieved from the suspect’s vehicle — also named Hortman and Hoffman. Both victims are Democrats and Hortman was formerly the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

The shooter’s list of potential targets also included the names of abortion providers and pro-choice activists, several sources told ABC News. Many of the Democratic lawmakers on the list have been outspoken about pro-choice policy positions, two sources said.

Security resources have been dispatched to protect those people named on the list, authorities said. The Capitol Police said it’s “working with our federal, state and local partners.”

Police deploy as a manhunt is underway for a shooter that targeted two state lawmakers, in Brooklyn Park, Minn., on June 14, 2025.© Tim Sullivan/AP

The shootings began around 2 a.m. Saturday, when Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were both shot multiple times at their home in Champlin, Minnesota, authorities said.

“We’re cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt,” Walz said at a news conference.

After Hoffman was shot, officers headed to proactively check on Hortman, who lived in the nearby town of Brooklyn Park, police said.

Around 3:35 a.m., the officers found the suspect — dressed as a police officer — coming out of Hortman’s house, police said.

The suspect fired at the officers; gunfire was exchanged and the suspect was able to escape and flee on foot, authorities said.

Hortman and her husband, Mark, were both found fatally shot at the house, police said.

The suspect’s vehicle — which looked like a police vehicle, including police lights — was in Hortman’s driveway, authorities said, and the list of potential targets was found inside the car.

Walz said in a statement, “We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence.”

“We will spare no resource in bringing those responsible to justice,” he added.

Minnesota House Democratic leader dead after ‘politically motivated assassination’

Democratic Sen. John Hoffman also shot, expected to recover.

House Democratic-Farmer-Labor caucus leader Melissa Hortman, who was among the most influential Minnesota elected officials of the past decade, died on Saturday morning after a man impersonating a police officer shot her in her Brooklyn Park home, Gov. Tim Walz said.

Hortman’s husband was also shot and killed, the governor said.

Walz, appearing emotional at a press conference in the north metro, said they were killed in an apparent “politically motivated assassination.”

“Our state lost a great leader, and I lost the dearest of friends,” Walz said. “(Hortman) was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota.”

Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times earlier in the evening in their Champlin home. Walz said they were out of surgery, and that he’s “cautiously optimistic they will survive this assassination attempt.”

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans said Champlin law enforcement received a call at about 2 a.m. that a person shot Hoffman and his wife.

Brooklyn Park Police Department Chief Mark Bruley said his officers assisted with the Champlin shooting; a sergeant suggested checking in on Hortman’s home. They live about five to eight miles away from each other. When Brooklyn Park police officers arrived at Hortman’s home, they encountered a person who was dressed like a police officer who “immediately fired at them,” Evans said. Police exchanged gunfire with the person, but they were able to escape.

The shooter is still at large, and Brooklyn Park is under a shelter-in-place order. Hundreds of police officers and SWAT teams are conducting a manhunt for the person, officials said.

Bruley said that when they arrived at Hortman’s home, they saw a police SUV with its lights on and saw the suspect was impersonating a police officer.

In the SUV, police found a “manifesto,” with a list of lawmakers and other officials on it. Hortman and Hoffman were on the list.

Hortman, who has two adult children, was first elected to the Legislature 2004 and served as House Speaker from 2019-2024. She lost two elections before winning, which she said gave her an understanding of what it takes to win swing seats and hold them.

Her speakership will be remembered as among the most consequential in recent Minnesota political history. With Walz and Senate GOP Majority Leader Paul Gazelka, she guided the state through the pandemic before helping Democrats achieve a trifecta in the 2022 election.

During the 2023 legislative session, she helped bridge the wide gulf between moderates and progressives in her caucus to achieve a historic legislative agenda. Democrats codified abortion rights in law; invested in education, including universal schools meals, as well as transportation and housing; created paid family leave; legalized cannabis; and passed gun control laws.

The encomiums poured in Saturday. “There is no greater champion for Minnesota’s working people than Melissa Hortman,” said Joel Smith, President and Business Manager of LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, the laborers union.

Hoffman was elected in 2012 and is known for his work on human services.

During his remarks Saturday, Walz denounced political violence and said the people involved in the shooting would be caught and held responsible.

“This was an act of targeted political violence. Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint,” Walz said.

House Speaker Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, who worked closely with Hortman in the Legislature to negotiate a state budget this year, said she was horrified by Hortman’s murder.

“I am horrified by the evil attack that took place overnight, and heartbroken beyond words by the loss of Speaker-Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark,” Demuth said in a statement.

Oh, I almost forgot. Today is also ‘Flag Day’ which was instituted in 1916, When President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation that designated June 14 as ‘Flag Day’.
In 1777 the same Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution;
“That the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”

Different people had their own interpretations of that specification and even the story of George Washington employing Betsy Ross to sew a flag doesn’t have much to back it up.  The nation didn’t have a ‘standard’ flag until the new U.S. Congress passed the Flag Act of 1794, when 2 stars a 2 stripes were added due the entry of Vermont and Kentucky into the Union.

Francis Hopkinson’s flag for the U.S.

Hopkinson’s flag for the U.S. Navy

The ‘Star Spangled Banner’ design which flew over Ft McHenry during the was of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write our National Anthem.