Suspect In MN Lawmaker's Killing Texted He 'May Be Dead Shortly', Reports Say

Updated, 8:15 p.m.

BROOKLYN PARK, MN — As a manhunt continues for Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the man wanted in the fatal shootings of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, his roommates said he sent them a disturbing text message early Saturday.

According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, Boelter texted his roommates and said he had "made some choices" and "may be dead shortly." His roommate read the message aloud to reporters in a video posted on X by the Minnesota Star Tribune. He also said he didn't want to "implicate" them, but he was "sorry for all the trouble this has caused."

Authorities have released photos of Boelter, who they say impersonated a police officer and fatally shot Hortman on Saturday in what Gov. Tim Walz called a "politically motivated assassination." Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also wounded in a related attack.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety confirmed that Boelter is wanted as a suspect in the shootings on Saturday afternoon. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said Boelter had not yet been caught.

State authorities said Boelter owned a home security company. While police wouldn't comment on how aware Boelter is of police tactics, they believe he is trying to flee the Minneapolis area.

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The motive behind the shootings remains unknown.

Authorities released a photo of Boelter in light pants, a dark shirt or coat, and a light-colored cowboy hat. He was also carrying a dark bag. The photo was taken from a business on Saturday morning, authorities said.

The FBI on Saturday said it is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and capture of Boelter. Authorities said he was gray hair and brown eyes. He weighs 220 pounds and is 6 feet 1 inch tall.

Hortman, a Democrat and member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband Mark, were fatally shot early Saturday morning, Walz said during a news conference Saturday. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot multiple times. Hoffman is also a Democrat.

According to Walz, Hoffman and his wife were taken to the hospital, where they both underwent surgery and are continuing to receive care.

“We must all, in Minnesota and across the country, stand against all forms of political violence," Walz said. “Those responsible for this will be held accountable.”

Authorities said Champlin police were called to Hoffman's home around 2 a.m. Saturday. Around 3:30 a.m., Brooklyn Park police checked on Hortman's residence, where they encountered a man who fired at them. The man — believed to be Boelter — fled following an exchange of gunfire.

Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson said Boelter was posing as a law enforcement officer.

According to Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley, Boelter was dressed like a uniformed officer and operating a vehicle that “looked exactly like an SUV squad car. It was equipped with lights, emergency lights and looked exactly like a police vehicle."

Jacobson accused the shooter of "exploiting the trust" of police uniforms.

"That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility," he said.

Around 5:30 a.m., Brooklyn Park police issued a shelter-in-place for a portion of the city amid their search for the then-unidentified suspect. The shelter-in-place encompasses a 3-mile radius surrounding the Edinburgh Golf Course.

Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley said authorities discovered writings in the fake police car used by Boelter that identified many lawmakers and other officials. A person who saw the list said it included several abortion rights supporters, including lawmakers, according to a Minneapolis Star-Tribune report.

“When we did a search of the vehicle, there was a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials. We immediately made alerts to the state. We took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary,” said Bruley.

Law enforcement also recovered several AK-style firearms from Boelter's vehicle, and he’s believed to still be armed with a pistol, one of the people familiar with the matter told the AP.

Residents should not approach anyone who looks like Boelter and instead call 911.

Authorities were actively searching for Boelter in the hours following the shootings. Hundreds of police and sheriff deputies from departments in the region, some in tactical gear with assault style weapons, were scattered through Brooklyn Park. Occasional police roadblocks occasionally stopped and checked cars.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she was monitoring developments in the investigation, adding the FBI would be in Minnesota investigating alongside state and local authorities.

"This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Bondi said.

Earlier Saturday, Walz said he was briefed on the shootings and had activated the State Emergency Operations Center.

President Donald Trump also released a statement, saying he had been briefed on the "terrible" shooting.

Hortman, 55, had been the top Democratic leader in the state House since 2017. She led House Democrats in a three-week walkout at the beginning of this year’s session in a power struggle with Republicans. Under a power-sharing agreement, she turned the gavel over to the top Republican, Rep. Lisa Demuth, and assumed the title speaker emerita. She was first elected in 2004.

Hortman and her husband had two adult children.

Hoffman, 60, was first elected in 2012. He runs Hoffman Strategic Advisors, a consulting firm. He previously served as vice chair of the Anoka Hennepin School Board, which manages the largest school district in Minnesota.

Hoffman is married and has one daughter.

Both Hoffman and Hortman represented districts located north of Minneapolis.

"The state has lost a great leader and I lost the dearest of friends," Walz said of Hortman. "She was a formidable public servant, a fixture and a giant in Minnesota. She woke up every day determined to make this state a better place."

Autopsies will be done to determine the extent of injuries, but Hortman and her spouse died from gunshot wounds, authorities said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed reporting.

With reporting by Lisa Finn.