Accused Halloween mask-wearing gunman’s plot to kill politician

The FBI has released a chilling image of the suspected gunman in the assassination of a Minnesota state politician and the shooting of another, as his terrifying “hit list” is uncovered.

The FBI has released a chilling image of the Halloween mask-wearing suspected gunman in the assassination of a Minnesota state politician and the shooting of another.

Vance Luther Boelter, a former appointee of Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, allegedly posed as a police officer when he shot Senator John Hoffman and his wife in their home in Champlin, Minnesota, leaving them seriously injured, the New York Post reports.

He then allegedly moved on to former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman’s house, where he is believed to have killed her and her husband.

This image provided by the FBI shows suspected gunman Vance Boelter. Picture: FBI via AP

Investigators believe Boelter is attempting “to potentially flee” the Twin Cities - Minneapolis and St. Paul, The Washington Post reported.

He lists himself on LinkedIn as the CEO of the Red Lion Group, which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He left behind a “manifesto” in his car listing the names of 70 politicians, including Mr Walz and his deputy Peggy Flanagan, and a stack of papers stating “No Kings” in reference to the nationwide anti-Trump protests, according to police

The apparent hit list included abortion providers, clinics and Planned Parenthood, sources told The New York Post. Both of the Democrats he targeted were pro-choice.

The suspected assailant was still at large, officials said, with a massive manhunt underway.

Democratic politician Melissa Hortman was shot dead in her home. Fellow Democrat John Hoffman was also shot in his home, reportedly by the same gunman, but survived. Picture: Supplied

Mr Waltz, who was Kamala Harris’s VP running mate in last year’s US election, earlier said the shootings were “politically motivated” attacks.

The shootings came at a moment of deep political divisions in the United States, as thousands took to the streets in protest at the policies of President Donald Trump.

Mr Trump and US Attorney-General Pam Bondi decried what they called “horrific violence” and said the perpetrators would be prosecuted to “the fullest extent of the law”.

State representative Melissa Hortman — the former speaker — and her husband Mark were killed at their home near Minneapolis, Governor Tim Walz told a press conference.

State senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot and wounded, the governor said, his voice breaking with emotion. He said officials remained “cautiously optimistic” they would recover.

“This was an act of targeted political violence,” Mr Walz told reporters.

Police officers search a vehicle entering a neighbourhood where US politician Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

“Peaceful discourse is the foundation of our democracy. We don’t settle our differences with violence or at gunpoint.”

Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said Hoffman and his wife were shot first, and as police investigated, Hortman and her husband were shot about 90 minutes later.

The suspected gunman was able to escape during an exchange of gunfire with officers near Hortman’s residence, Evans told reporters.

“We’re actively searching for that individual right now,” he said.

Matt Cross, MP for Davidson in Sydney, a classmate of Ms Hortman at the Harvard Kennedy School in 2017-18, paid an emotional tribute.

“I’m heartbroken by the devastating news. It’s horrifying and impossible to comprehend.

Melissa was humble, warm and genuine. She would always light up a room,” he said.

“She juggled her studies whilst serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. She was deeply passionate about serving her community and Minnesota, rising to be elected Speaker in 2019.

“This is a profound loss to her family, her community, and to all who knew and admired her.”

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SHOOTER IMPERSONATED COP

In both cases, authorities believe the gunman was impersonating a police officer.

“The suspect exploited the trust that our uniform is meant to represent,” said Bob Jacobson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

An anti-Trump rally in Minneapolis — part of the national wave of “No Kings” protests planned for Saturday local time — was cancelled 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.

Police officers searched a car near where a politician was shot and killed. Picture: Getty Images via AFP

Police are looking for a white man with brown hair, wearing black body armour over a blue shirt and blue pants, local TV station KSTP said.

“We do have the suspect’s car. Suspect is on foot,” said Mark Bruley, the police chief in Brooklyn Park, where Hortman lived.

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 deportation policy, his assault on universities and the media and a perceived flouting of limits on executive power as he pushes his agenda.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the killings “politically motivated”. Picture: Star Tribune via AP

“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.

“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.” Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar remembered Hortman as a friend who entered politics at the same time as her and dedicated her life to serving the state, working on issues such as women’s rights and clean energy.

Protests have broken out across the US. Picture: AFP

“Let me be absolutely clear: this was an act of targeted political violence, and it was an attack on everything we stand for as a democracy,” Klobuchar said in a statement. “We must all condemn it.” Minnesota’s other US senator, Tina Smith, also issued a statement condemning the shootings.

Former House member 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 the death of Hortman.

Demonstrators against Donald Trump’s military parade. Picture: AP Photo/Alex Brandon

“We must protect our democracy from those who try to destroy it with a gun,” Giffords wrote on X.

“This is a stunning act of violence. I’m thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time,” Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar said in a social media post. “My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service.”

– with AFP