Police searching for former appointee of Tim Walz in connection with fatal shootings in Minnesota
A former appointee of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is being sought by police in connection with the fatal shooting of a state lawmaker, according to reports.
Police are searching for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, who was appointed by Walz in 2019 to serve a four year stint on the Governor's Workforce Development Board, sources told The New York Post.
It comes after an assailant is thought to have impersonated a police officer when they entered the Champlin residence of Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday, shooting both and leaving them critically injured.
The shooter then proceeded to the home of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman, where she and her husband were fatally shot.
Local police, sheriff's deputies, and the FBI have launched an extensive manhunt.
During a Saturday morning press conference, officials said they are investigating the possibility of multiple shooters, however no one is in custody.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said the suspect's vehicle contained a 'manifesto' and a list of targets, including both lawmakers, according to The New York Times.
The first shooting occurred just after 2am at Hoffman's home in Champlin, about 20 miles from Minneapolis. Hoffman and his wife were shot multiple times, KSTP reported.
At least three people were shot early Saturday in what authorities believe were targeted attacks at the homes of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman (left) and State Representative Melissa Hortman (right)
The second attack took place at around 4am at Hortman's Brooklyn Park residence, eight miles south.
After that shooting, police engaged one of the suspects in a gunfight on the street, officials said.
Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, confirmed that the suspect escaped during the exchange and is still on the run.
At a press conference on Saturday morning, the Minnesota State Patrol urged people in the state not to attend planned anti-Trump protests until the suspect or suspects in the shooting are apprehended, fearing the demonstrations could be targeted.
Authorities shared an image on social media showing flyers for the 'NO KINGS' rallies planned to coincide with Donald Trump's birthday parade, which they said they found in a vehicle believed to be linked to the shootings.
Authorities believe the two incidents are connected and involve a suspect posing as law enforcement.
Walz addressed the situation on social media, condemning the 'targeted attacks,' and adding that he is activating the State Emergency Operations Center as police launch an urgent manhunt.
'I've been briefed this morning on an ongoing situation involving targeted shootings in Champlin and Brooklyn Park,' Walz wrote on X.
'I've activated the State Emergency Operations Center. Local law enforcement in Champlin and Brooklyn Park have the full resources of the State of Minnesota behind them.'
Cops have locked down a three-mile area around the shootings amid the search for the gunman, who police say remains at large
Police described the suspect as a white male with brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants.
Brooklyn Park Police issued a shelter-in-place order around 5.30am, later expanding it to a three-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course.
Another emergency alert was issued around 7am, advising residents to only open their doors if two officers are present and to call 911 to verify any officer's identity.
'Police are looking for a suspect in multiple targeted shootings who is armed and dangerous,' the alert stated. 'Suspect is white male, brown hair, wearing black body armor over a blue shirt and blue pants and may misrepresent himself as law enforcement.'
The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office confirmed that an investigation is underway and Brooklyn Park is the lead agency.
Authorities are yet to confirm whether the lawmakers were the intended targets or if the attacks were politically motivated.
Meanwhile, other Minnesota state officials have taken to social media to share their reactions and updates about the ongoing incident.
'I'm just learning of the events that took place last night due to getting a safety alert for elected officials. I never thought we'd be here,' Mounds View Mayor, Zach Lindstrom wrote on X.
'I cannot emphasize enough that this is not ok. Any type of violence against elected officials is not ok. Any type of violence against other people is not ok.'
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote on X: 'This is a stunning act of violence. I'm thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service.'
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, now the head of national gun violence prevention organization GIFFORDS, said in a statement on Saturday that she is 'horrified and heartbroken by last night's attack on two patriotic public servants.'
'My family and I know the horror of a targeted shooting all too well. An attack against lawmakers is an attack on American democracy itself. Leaders must speak out and condemn the fomenting violent extremism that threatens everything this country stands for,' Giffords, who was one of 13 people wounded in an Arizona supermarket parking lot in 2011, added.
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