During a vehicle search, law enforcement discovered a manifesto that listed numerous lawmakers and officials, prompting immediate notification to the state. “There was a list of individuals targeted, and that’s quite a few people,” stated Drew Evans, Minnesota’s Director of Unrest.
Officers responded to State Senator John Hoffman’s residence around 2 a.m. on Saturday. Reports indicate that both Senator Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured by a gunman who had also shot and killed Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at approximately 3:30 a.m.
Fortunately, Senator Hoffman and his wife survived the ordeal and are reported to be stable, according to a statement from Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz.
The suspect, believed to have impersonated a police officer, was shot by a responding officer who was conducting a safety check at the home. Afterward, the gunman fled the scene, and police have described his vehicle as a black SUV designed to resemble an actual police cruiser.
Authorities have identified the shooter as Vanceluther Volter, who was appointed by Governor Waltz to the Workforce Development Committee in 2019 and previously served on the Workforce Development Council appointed by Mark Dayton in 2016.
A “king” flyer was found in the vehicle left at Hoffman’s residence, according to a report from the New York Post.
Responding to the tragic events, Governor Waltz remarked:
Todays’ incident represents an indescribable tragedy for Minnesota. My colleague and friend, Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark, were killed in what seems to be a politically motivated act. We’ve lost a strong leader, and I’ve lost a dear friend. Speaker Hortman embodied grace, compassion, and humor as she served the people of Minnesota. She was an irreplaceable figure, dedicated to making the state a better place.
A manhunt is currently underway for the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous.
In light of the targeted shootings involving state lawmakers, police are advising people to avoid scheduled “king protests” across the state.
