19 hours ago
Manhunt continues for Minnesota assassin as police reveal list of 70 potential targets
The man who allegedly assassinated a US senator and attempted to kill another had a list of dozens of different targets in his car, police have said.
Minnesota senator Melissa Hortman and her husband were both killed inside their home in the early hours of Saturday, local time.
Another Minnesota senator, John Hoffman, and his wife were both shot multiple times at their home, just eight kilometres away from the Hortman residence.
A manhunt is still underway for the suspect, who police identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter.
The gunman's vehicle allegedly contained a manifesto and a list of targets, according to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley.
The list reportedly contained dozens of Democratic politicians, doctors, community leaders and business owners, along with locations for Planned Parenthood and other healthcare centres.
Police have said they are contacting those on the list to warn them of potential danger.
A neighbour of the Hoffmans' told NBC he was up watching the news at around 2am when he heard a "pow, pow" outside.
"I didn't see anything, but then, all at once, I seen a black, dark black car backing out of the Hoffmans' driveway," Clarence Shaffer told the outlet.
"And as he backed out, he turned his headlights on and put the police lights on.
Police have said Mr Boelter impersonated a police officer — donning a vest, blue long-sleeve shirt and what appeared to be a badge — in order to gain access to victims' homes.
The first call to emergency services was made at 2am local time, leading police to the Hoffman home.
Another call around 90 minutes later led them to the Hortmans' address.
Officers arrived to find an SUV with its emergency lights on in the driveway, before exchanging fire with the gunman as he exited the home.
Mr Boelter's roommate, David Carlson, told local media he had received a text from him in the hours after the attacks, and read them aloud to reporters.
"[He said:] 'I may be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know that I love you guys both, and I wish it hadn't gone this way'," Mr Carlson told Minneapolis' KARE outlet.
"I don't know why he did what he did. He had lots of friends, trust me, and I wish I could have been there to stop him."
Records obtained by the New York Times showed Mr Boelter had served on the same 60-member Workforce Development Board as Mr Hoffman.
He had been appointed to the position by Governor Tim Walz, serving two terms up to January 2023.
Authorities said in a press conference they were still investigating whether Mr Boelter knew Mr Hoffman or Ms Hortman.
A photograph shared online by state police was believed to show papers with "NO KINGS" written on them spread across the seat of the suspect's car.
This has led authorities to suggest the gunman had planned to target one of the hundreds of protests taking place across the United States against the Trump administration.
Organisers of demonstrations in Minnesota have since cancelled all planned events on the recommendation of officials.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz urged residents to "not attend any political rallies" in the state until the suspect had been taken into custody.
President Donald Trump confirmed on his Truth Social platform that he had been briefed on the shootings and the ongoing manhunt.
The FBI has offered a $US50,000 ($77,106) reward for any information leading to Mr Boelter's arrest.
