Minnesota is reeling after a brazen double shooting that law enforcement officials are calling a targeted political attack. Former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman was killed in her home early Saturday morning, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a separate shooting just minutes earlier.

Authorities say the suspect, Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old former political appointee and private security contractor, may have posed as a police officer to gain access to the victims’ homes. He remains at large as of Sunday morning. A massive manhunt is underway, and the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.

A Coordinated Attack on State Leaders

The attacks occurred just after 2 a.m. in two different Twin Cities suburbs—first in Champlin, where Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot multiple times, and then in Brooklyn Park, where police later found Hortman and her husband, Mark, both shot. Hortman died at the scene; her husband was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police were tipped off to the second scene after recognizing the victims at the first. When they arrived at the Hortman residence, they saw a man dressed in a police-style uniform exiting the house. The suspect opened fire and fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with responding officers.

Officials believe Boelter was armed with a pistol and had multiple AK-style firearms in his vehicle, along with extremist materials including “No Kings” protest flyers and writings that mentioned several lawmakers by name—including Hortman and Hoffman.

Who Was Melissa Hortman?

Hortman, 55, was a fixture in Minnesota politics and one of the most influential Democratic voices in the state legislature. First elected in 2004, she rose through the ranks to become Speaker of the House in 2019, leading the chamber during some of its most contentious years.

Known for her sharp political instincts and passion for social justice, she was a staunch advocate for abortion rights, environmental protections, and economic equity. In 2023, she helped solidify Minnesota as a sanctuary state for abortion care, passing legislation that shielded both patients and providers from legal retaliation in other states.

Earlier this year, under a power-sharing agreement with Republicans, she stepped down from her leadership post and took on the honorary title of Speaker Emerita. She is survived by two adult children.

Gov. Tim Walz called her death a “politically motivated assassination” and described Hortman as “irreplaceable.”

“She woke up every day, determined to make this state a better place,” Walz said during a press conference. “She was a formidable public servant and a giant in our state’s history.”

Who Is John Hoffman?

Senator John Hoffman, 60, represents the northern Twin Cities suburbs and was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012. He chairs the Senate Human Services Committee, which oversees a major portion of the state budget, including programs for health care, aging, and disability services.

A moderate Democrat, Hoffman has been especially vocal on health equity, mental health reform, and public workforce issues. His wife, Yvette Hoffman, is not a public figure, but was also shot during the attack. Both underwent surgery and, according to Gov. Walz, are expected to survive.

Who Is the Suspect, Vance Boelter?

Boelter isn’t a household name, but his past brushes with politics, law enforcement aesthetics, and conspiracy-driven ideology paint a disturbing picture.

From 2016 to 2023, Boelter served on Minnesota’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board, an advisory panel focused on job training and economic planning. Records show he served on the board at the same time as Hoffman, though it’s unclear if they knew each other personally.

In 2019, Boelter and his wife registered a private security company, Praetorian Guard Security Services LLC, based out of Green Isle, MN. The company website featured images of armed personnel in tactical gear, as well as SUVs painted to resemble police vehicles. Boelter was listed as Director of Security Patrols.

An online résumé says he worked as a private security contractor in the Middle East and Africa—a claim authorities are still working to verify. He had also lived in multiple Minnesota towns over the years, keeping a low profile in the community.

Shortly before disappearing, Boelter reportedly sent cryptic messages to acquaintances.

“I’ve made some choices… I may be dead shortly,” he wrote, according to a friend who shared the message with local reporters. “I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”

A Climate of Political Tension

This tragic incident comes amid a rising tide of political violence in the U.S., where elected officials at all levels have faced escalating threats.

• In 2022, then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s husband was attacked with a hammer in their San Francisco home.
• In 2020, an anti-government militia plotted to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
• In 2024, former President Donald Trump was grazed by a bullet during a campaign rally, and a separate suspect with a rifle was later arrested near his Florida estate.
• Just weeks ago, someone set fire to the Pennsylvania governor’s home during Passover, forcing the family to flee.

And now, two prominent Minnesota lawmakers have been directly targeted—one of them killed.

“Condemning violence is important, but it’s not enough,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “We must confront the toxic forces radicalizing individuals. We must do more to protect one another and our democracy.”

Schumer has requested additional security for Minnesota Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and called for a congressional briefing on threats to elected officials.

A State on Edge

Following the attacks, police urged the public to avoid participating in “No Kings” protests that had been planned in opposition to former President Trump. While some demonstrations were canceled, others continued across the Twin Cities, despite warnings.

Hundreds of law enforcement officers—many in tactical gear—fanned out across Brooklyn Park and surrounding areas, setting up checkpoints and searching wooded areas and homes.

By Saturday afternoon, a shelter-in-place order was lifted, but the suspect remained missing.

Residents were left stunned.

“This is crazy—someone going after representatives,” said Douglas Thompson, a Brooklyn Park resident. “This is wrong. I’m hoping they catch him soon.”

What Comes Next

The FBI, State Patrol, local law enforcement, and federal prosecutors are all coordinating on the manhunt and ongoing investigation.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that other lawmakers or officials were on Boelter’s list of targets. His writings reportedly named other Democratic leaders—especially those who supported abortion access—as enemies.

This case is developing rapidly, and updates are expected in the coming days. For now, Minnesota mourns the loss of a political leader, prays for the recovery of another, and holds its breath as the search for a suspect with a deadly agenda continues.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Vance Boelter, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or your local law enforcement agency.

Source: AP News – Authorities still searching for suspect in shooting of 2 Minnesota state lawmakers

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In a move that’s already stirring controversy, President Donald Trump took swift and dramatic action over the weekend in response to protests in Los Angeles, marking a moment he and his administration appear eager to turn into a political flashpoint.

The protests, sparked by ongoing immigration enforcement efforts from ICE, were described by local authorities as largely peaceful — but that didn’t stop Trump from deploying federal force.

An Opening Trump Was Waiting For

On the campaign trail, Trump vowed he wouldn’t stand for what he called “left-wing lawlessness.” On Saturday night, he got the scenario he’d been waiting for — protests in a liberal state over immigration policy.

Although the LAPD reported that crowds were dispersed within 55 minutes and said they responded as quickly as safety allowed, the Trump administration criticized the local response as too slow and ineffective.

“Waiting several hours for LAPD to show up… just isn’t workable when you have violent protests,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kirsty Noem, speaking to CBS News.

By Sunday morning, Trump had federalized 2,000 California National Guard troops over the objections of Governor Gavin Newsom, and even had U.S. Marines on high alert — a rare move that signals just how far he’s willing to go to control unrest on domestic soil.

“We’re not going to let a repeat of 2020 happen,” Noem added, referencing the Black Lives Matter protests that swept the country during Trump’s first term.

A Strategy of Strength — and Division

Trump’s rapid response wasn’t just about security — it was also strategic. The White House clearly views law-and-order messaging and aggressive immigration enforcement as political winners, especially heading into a likely re-election campaign.

This kind of hardline action energizes his base and could appeal to independents concerned about public safety — a group Trump is keen to court. The imagery of National Guard troops and talk of deploying Marines sends a message: this administration means business.

But not everyone sees it that way.

Critics Say It’s an Overreach — and Dangerous

Democrats have pushed back hard, calling the federal response inflammatory and excessive, especially given the peaceful nature of most protests.

“For the president to do this when it wasn’t requested, breaking with generations of tradition, is only going to incite the situation and make things worse,” said Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey.

Booker and others argue that these protests are a response to confusing and chaotic immigration enforcement, with reports of masked officers in military gear arresting people in public spaces — even those trying to comply with legal proceedings.

“A lot of these peaceful protests are being generated because the president… is sowing chaos,” Booker added.

Summer Unrest — or One-Off Event?

Summer has historically been a flashpoint for civil demonstrations in the U.S., and while this weekend’s unrest may be isolated, it’s also only early June.

With five months into Trump’s second term, the events in California could signal what’s to come — a renewed era of protests, escalating federal crackdowns, and a national conversation about how far presidential power should go in quelling dissent.

One thing is clear: Trump is not shying away from this fight. In fact, he appears to be leaning into it — and banking on it politically.

Source: BBC – Trump’s intervention in LA is a political fight he is eager to have

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President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly chosen two prominent China critics for key positions in his upcoming administration. Senator Marco Rubio is expected to be appointed as Secretary of State, while Congressman Mike Waltz is likely to become National Security Adviser.

Marco Rubio’s Expected Appointment as Secretary of State

Rubio, known for his hawkish stance on China, Iran, and Cuba, is the most assertive choice on Trump’s shortlist for Secretary of State. Although initially a critic of Trump, Rubio has softened some of his positions over the years to align with Trump’s more restrained foreign policy approach. Trump, who has criticized previous administrations for leading the U.S. into “costly and futile wars,” prefers a less interventionist approach.

Rubio, a former presidential candidate who once challenged Trump in the 2016 primaries, has remained a trusted foreign policy advisor to the president-elect. If appointed, he would be the first Latino Secretary of State, marking a historic moment in American diplomacy. Sources indicate that Trump’s decision is nearly final, though he is known for making last-minute changes.

Shift in Republican Foreign Policy

Rubio’s expected appointment signals a broader shift within the Republican Party under Trump’s influence. While the GOP has traditionally supported a muscular foreign policy, Trump and his allies now advocate for restraint, particularly in Europe, where they feel allies should contribute more to their defense. In a recent interview, Rubio stated that a negotiated settlement is the likely path forward for the Ukraine conflict, reflecting this pragmatic approach.

Mike Waltz as National Security Adviser

Florida Congressman Mike Waltz, a decorated Green Beret and former Pentagon adviser, is expected to be named Trump’s National Security Adviser. Waltz has consistently voiced concerns over China’s military expansion in the Asia-Pacific and emphasized the need for U.S. preparedness in the region.

Elected to Congress in 2018, Waltz represents east-central Florida, including Daytona Beach, and recently secured re-election. His military background, with multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and service as a policy adviser to Defense Secretaries Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates, adds significant experience to his profile. Waltz has also been a vocal critic of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, urging President Biden to consider redeployment to protect Afghan civilians.

Waltz’s defense policy experience includes roles as a counter-terrorism adviser and managing a defense contracting firm in Afghanistan, underscoring his commitment to U.S. national security and international alliances.

Additional Appointments: Kristi Noem for Homeland Security

In other appointment news, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem is expected to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Noem, who was previously considered a potential vice-presidential candidate, will bring her state-level leadership experience to this national role.

Challenges Ahead for Independent Journalism

With Trump returning to office, there are growing concerns about press freedom. During his previous term, Trump frequently labeled journalists as “enemies of the people,” raising fears about potential restrictions on media operations. His second term blueprint, Project 2025, reportedly includes measures that could impact the independence of journalism by allowing greater access to journalists’ communications.

This political climate calls for courageous, well-funded independent journalism to hold Trump and his administration accountable for decisions affecting democracy, environmental policy, and global alliances. Independent media will play a critical role in upholding transparency and freedom of the press amid the unique challenges of a second Trump presidency.

This report includes contributions from Reuters.

Source

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