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eNCA
9 hours ago
- Politics
- eNCA
US police hunt gunman after state lawmaker killed, another injured
USA - A manhunt was underway Saturday for a gunman who shot two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota, killing one and her husband and wounding the other, in what the northern US state's governor said were politically motivated attacks. The shootings came as deep political divisions have riven the United States, the same day that tens of thousands of protestors across the country took to the streets against the policies of Republican President Donald Trump. Authorities named the assailant as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who was still at large and considered "armed and dangerous." "We believe he's working to potentially flee the (Minneapolis-St Paul) area," Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters. Boelter had been spotted Saturday morning in the Minneapolis area on surveillance footage obtained from a business, the official said. Evans said authorities were still investigating the suspect's motives, and did not know if additional people were involved in the attacks. Trump and US Attorney General Pam Bondi decried what they called "horrific violence" and said perpetrators would be prosecuted to "the fullest extent of the law." The Federal Bureau of Investigation offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the capture or conviction of Boelter. - 'Targeted political violence' - State Representative Melissa Hortman - the former speaker - and her husband Mark were killed at their home in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Governor Tim Walz told an earlier press conference. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded at their home in nearby Champlin, the governor said, his voice breaking with emotion. "This was an act of targeted political violence," Walz told reporters. "Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint." Evans said Hoffman was out of surgery and "in stable condition" but that he had suffered "significant injuries." The state official said Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and as police investigated, Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later. The gunman was able to escape during an exchange of fire with officers near Hortman's residence, Evans said. Praetorian Guards Security Services, a home security company, described Boelter on its website as its director of security patrols. - Impersonating law enforcement - GETTY IMAGESvia AFP | Stephen Maturen In both attacks, authorities believe the assailant impersonated a law enforcement officer. An image of Boelter released by the FBI showed him wearing what appeared to be a life-like latex mask, potentially an attempt to evade identification. An anti-Trump rally in Minneapolis - part of the national wave of "No Kings" protests planned for Saturday - was canceled after police issued a shelter-in-place order because of the shootings. Flyers for the protests were found in the suspect's car, as well as a manifesto that named numerous politicians and state officials, police said. Tensions were high across the country, and in Texas authorities said they evacuated the state capitol complex after a "credible threat" towards lawmakers planning to attend a protest there. In Brooklyn Park, where Hortman lived, authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order Saturday afternoon, saying that while the suspect remained at large, there was "reason to believe he is no longer in the area." The United States has been deeply divided since Trump returned to the White House in January. The Republican president has drawn criticism from Democrats over his harsh immigration policy, his assault on universities and the media and a perceived flouting of limits on executive power. "At this precipice moment we're on, this tragic act here in Minnesota should serve as a reminder to all of us," Walz said, lauding democracy as a way to settle differences peacefully. Former US congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting to the head in 2011 and is now a prominent advocate for the prevention of gun violence, described herself as "devastated" by Hortman's death. "We must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun," Giffords wrote on X. By Ulysse Bellier
RTÉ News
10 hours ago
- Politics
- RTÉ News
Manhunt in Minnesota after Democratic politician killed
A manhunt is under way for a gunman who shot two Democratic state politicians in Minnesota, killing one and her husband and wounding the other, in what the northern US state's governor said were politically motivated attacks. The shootings came as deep political divisions have riven the United States, the same day that tens of thousands of protestors across the country took to the streets against the policies of Republican President Donald Trump. Authorities named the assailant as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who was still at large and considered "armed and dangerous." "We believe he's working to potentially flee the (Minneapolis-St Paul) area," Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters. Mr Evans said authorities were still investigating the suspect's motives, and did not know if additional people were involved in the attacks. Mr Trump and US Attorney General Pam Bondi decried what they called "horrific violence" and said perpetrators would be prosecuted to "the fullest extent of the law." The Federal Bureau of Investigation offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the capture or conviction of Boelter. 'Targeted political violence' State Representative Melissa Hortman - the former speaker - and her husband Mark were killed at their home in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Governor Tim Walz told an earlier press conference. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded at their home in nearby Champlin, the governor said, his voice breaking with emotion. "This was an act of targeted political violence," Mr Walz told reporters. "Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint." Mr Evans said the senator was out of surgery and "in stable condition" but that he had suffered "significant injuries." The state official said Mr Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and as police investigated, Ms Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later. The gunman was able to escape during an exchange of fire with officers near Ms Hortman's residence, Mr Evans said. Praetorian Guards Security Services, a home security company, described Mr Boelter on its website as its director of security patrols. Impersonating law enforcement In both attacks, authorities believe the assailant impersonated a law enforcement officer. An image of Mr Boelter released by the FBI showed him wearing what appeared to be a life-like latex mask, potentially an attempt to evade identification. An anti-Trump rally in Minneapolis - part of the national wave of "No Kings" protests - was canceled after police issued a shelter-in-place order because of the shootings. Flyers for the protests were found in the suspect's car, as well as a manifesto that named numerous politicians and state officials, police said. Tensions were high across the country, and in Texas authorities said they evacuated the state capitol complex after a "credible threat" towards lawmakers planning to attend a protest there. In Brooklyn Park, where Ms Hortman lived, authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order saying that while the suspect remained at large, there was "reason to believe he is no longer in the area." The United States has been deeply divided since Mr Trump returned to the White House in January. The Republican president has drawn criticism from Democrats over his harsh immigration policy, his assault on universities and the media and a perceived flouting of limits on executive power. "At this precipice moment we're on, this tragic act here in Minnesota should serve as a reminder to all of us," Mr Walz said, lauding democracy as a way to settle differences peacefully. Former US congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting to the head in 2011 and is now a prominent advocate for the prevention of gun violence, described herself as "devastated" by Ms Hortman's death. "We must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun," Ms Giffords wrote on X.
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
‘AK guns, pro-abortion lawmakers' names': What was inside Minnesota killer's 'cop' car
The law enforcement agencies in Minnesota have launched a massive manhunt for a man who shot two Democratic state lawmakers, killing one and her husband and injuring the other. The agencies have described the act of violence as politically motivated attacks. The suspect has been identified as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who allegedly carried out the crime impersonating a police officer. He also used a vehicle resembling a cop car. "We believe he's working to potentially flee the (Minneapolis' St Paul) area," Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters. The police found "No Kings" flyers in his car and writings mentioning the names of the victims, as well as other lawmakers and officials. The police haven't confirmed that it was a hit list. A Minnesota official told The Associated Press that the suspect's writings also contained information targeting prominent lawmakers who have been outspoken in favour of abortion rights. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing. The agencies have announced a reward of $50,000 for information leading to his arrest. Democratic former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were injured at their Champlin address, about 9 miles (about 15 kilometres) away. Boelter is a former political appointee who served on the same state workforce development board as Hoffman. The flyers in the car also mentioned the names of the victims of the attack. He still possesses a pistol. At Hortman's home, the police encountered what appeared to be a police vehicle. A man dressed as a police officer opened fire at them. He later escaped on foot. "When officers confronted him, the individual immediately fired upon the officers, who exchanged gunfire, and the suspect retreated back into the home," said a senior police official. Multiple bullet holes could be seen in the front door of Hoffman's home. John and Yvette Hoffman each underwent surgery, according to Walz. Boelter's wife created a firm called Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC. He is the director of security patrols. The homepage says it provides armed security for property and events and features a photo of an SUV painted in a two-tone black and silver pattern similar to a police vehicle. Another photo shows a man in black tactical gear with military protective gear. Boelter's online resume says he is a security contractor who has worked in the Middle East and Africa. Before allegedly committing the crime, he had texted his friends. "I'm going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both, and I wish it hadn't gone this way. … I'm sorry for all the trouble this has caused," he said.
France 24
11 hours ago
- Politics
- France 24
US police hunt gunman after state lawmaker killed, another hurt
The shootings came as deep political divisions have riven the United States, the same day that tens of thousands of protestors across the country took to the streets against the policies of Republican President Donald Trump. Authorities named the assailant as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who was still at large and considered "armed and dangerous." "We believe he's working to potentially flee the (Minneapolis-St Paul) area," Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters. Boelter had been spotted Saturday morning in the Minneapolis area on surveillance footage obtained from a business, the official said. Evans said authorities were still investigating the suspect's motives, and did not know if additional people were involved in the attacks. Trump and US Attorney General Pam Bondi decried what they called "horrific violence" and said perpetrators would be prosecuted to "the fullest extent of the law." The Federal Bureau of Investigation offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the capture or conviction of Boelter. 'Targeted political violence' State Representative Melissa Hortman -- the former speaker -- and her husband Mark were killed at their home in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Governor Tim Walz told an earlier press conference. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded at their home in nearby Champlin, the governor said, his voice breaking with emotion. "This was an act of targeted political violence," Walz told reporters. "Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint." Evans said Hoffman was out of surgery and "in stable condition" but that he had suffered "significant injuries." The state official said Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and as police investigated, Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later. The gunman was able to escape during an exchange of fire with officers near Hortman's residence, Evans said. Praetorian Guards Security Services, a home security company, described Boelter on its website as its director of security patrols. Impersonating law enforcement In both attacks, authorities believe the assailant impersonated a law enforcement officer. An image of Boelter released by the FBI showed him wearing what appeared to be a life-like latex mask, potentially an attempt to evade identification. An anti-Trump rally in Minneapolis -- part of the national wave of "No Kings" protests planned for Saturday -- was canceled after police issued a shelter-in-place order because of the shootings. Flyers for the protests were found in the suspect's car, as well as a manifesto that named numerous politicians and state officials, police said. Tensions were high across the country, and in Texas authorities said they evacuated the state capitol complex after a "credible threat" towards lawmakers planning to attend a protest there. In Brooklyn Park, where Hortman lived, authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order Saturday afternoon, saying that while the suspect remained at large, there was "reason to believe he is no longer in the area." The United States has been deeply divided since Trump returned to the White House in January. The Republican president has drawn criticism from Democrats over his harsh immigration policy, his assault on universities and the media and a perceived flouting of limits on executive power. "At this precipice moment we're on, this tragic act here in Minnesota should serve as a reminder to all of us," Walz said, lauding democracy as a way to settle differences peacefully. Former US congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting to the head in 2011 and is now a prominent advocate for the prevention of gun violence, described herself as "devastated" by Hortman's death. "We must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun," Giffords wrote on X.
The Sun
13 hours ago
- Politics
- The Sun
US police hunt gunman after state lawmaker killed, another hurt
WASHINGTON: A manhunt was underway Saturday for a gunman who shot two Democratic state lawmakers in Minnesota, killing one and her husband and wounding the other, in what the northern US state's governor said were politically motivated attacks. The shootings came as deep political divisions have riven the United States, the same day that tens of thousands of protestors across the country took to the streets against the policies of Republican President Donald Trump. Authorities named the assailant as 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who was still at large and considered 'armed and dangerous.' 'We believe he's working to potentially flee the (Minneapolis-St Paul) area,' said Drew Evans, superintendent of the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, at a press conference. Boelter had been spotted Saturday morning in the Minneapolis area on video surveillance footage obtained from a business, the official said. Evans said authorities were still investigating the suspect's motives, and did not know if additional people were involved in the attacks. Trump and US Attorney General Pam Bondi decried what they called 'horrific violence' and said perpetrators would be prosecuted to 'the fullest extent of the law.' 'Targeted political violence' State Representative Melissa Hortman -- the former speaker -- and her husband Mark were killed at their home in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Park, Governor Tim Walz told an earlier press conference. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded at their home in nearby Champlin, the governor said, his voice breaking with emotion. 'This was an act of targeted political violence,' Walz told reporters. 'Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don't settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.' Evans said Hoffman was out of surgery and 'in stable condition' but that he had suffered 'significant injuries.' The state official said Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and as police investigated, Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later. The gunman was able to escape during an exchange of fire with officers near Hortman's residence, Evans said. Praetorian Guards Security Services, a home security company, described Boelter on its website as its director of security patrols. Impersonating law enforcement In both attacks, authorities believe the assailant was impersonating a law enforcement officer. An anti-Trump rally in Minneapolis -- part of the national wave of 'No Kings' protests planned for Saturday -- was canceled after police issued a shelter-in-place order because of the shootings. Flyers for the protests were found in the suspect's car, as well as a manifesto that named numerous politicians and state officials, police said. Tensions were high across the country, and in Texas authorities said they evacuated the state capitol complex after a 'credible threat towards state lawmakers planning to attend a protest later today.' In Brooklyn Park, where Hortman lived, authorities lifted a shelter-in-place order Saturday afternoon, saying that while the suspect remained at large, there was 'reason to believe he is no longer in the area.' The United States has been deeply divided since Trump returned to the White House in January. The Republican president has drawn criticism from Democrats over his harsh immigration policy, his assault on universities and the media and a perceived flouting of limits on executive power as he pushes his agenda. 'At this precipice moment we're on, this tragic act here in Minnesota should serve as a reminder to all of us,' Walz said. 'The democracy and the debates in the halls of Congress, in state houses, in school boards, is a way to settle our differences peacefully and move society to a better place.' US Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota remembered Hortman as a friend who dedicated her life to serving the state, working on issues such as women's rights and clean energy. Former US congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a shooting to the head in 2011 and is now a prominent advocate for the prevention of gun violence, described herself as 'devastated' by Hortman's death. 'We must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun,' Giffords wrote on X.
