Minnesota Shooting Suspect Had Hit List of Nearly 70, Including Lawmakers, Abortion Providers

The man suspected in the targeted shootings of two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers was found to be in possession of a chilling hit list containing the names of nearly 70 individuals, including elected officials, abortion providers, and reproductive rights advocates, according to law enforcement sources speaking to CNN and other outlets.

Authorities say the document was discovered in the suspect’s vehicle after the attacks, alongside a manifesto detailing grievances and motives believed to be linked to far-right extremist ideologies.

The hit list included high-profile state and national political figures such as Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

The list also named abortion clinics and pro-choice activists, indicating the attacker had an expansive plan that stretched beyond a single incident.

Law enforcement officials have described the incident as an act of “targeted political violence.”

Governor Walz echoed that assessment, calling the shootings “an attack on democracy and public service.”

The violent spree began in the early hours of Saturday, when State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot and wounded at their home in Champlin, Minnesota. Just hours later, State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were shot and killed at their residence in Brooklyn Park.

Both homes appeared to have been specifically targeted, and surveillance footage along with witness reports suggest the same suspect was responsible.

He reportedly impersonated a police officer, arriving in a vehicle outfitted with emergency lights and dressed in tactical-style gear with a badge and a stun gun.

A gunfight ensued at the Hortman residence when responding officers arrived. The suspect fled on foot, leaving behind the modified vehicle where investigators later found the hit list, weapons, anti-government flyers, and evidence tying him to broader extremist ideologies.

The suspect has been identified as Vance Luther Boelter, a 57-year-old who reportedly operated a private security company.

Officials say he remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. A multi-agency manhunt is underway involving the FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, U.S. Marshals, and local law enforcement.

Governor Walz activated the State Emergency Operations Center, and authorities have issued shelter-in-place orders in parts of the Twin Cities metro area. Residents have been urged to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be law enforcement before opening their doors.

In addition to the hit list, investigators found flyers referencing the “No Kings” movement—a loosely organized protest network critical of authoritarianism and government overreach.

Though the full significance of the materials is still under review, officials are not ruling out ideological extremism as a primary motivator.

Abortion providers and lawmakers across Minnesota and neighboring states have been alerted. Security has been heightened at government offices and clinics named on the list.

The Department of Justice is reportedly coordinating with Minnesota officials to assess whether federal domestic terrorism charges are applicable.

Investigators are also exploring whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a broader extremist network.

“This was not random,” said one federal official familiar with the case. “The planning, the symbolism, and the targeting all point to something much larger than two isolated shootings.”

Political leaders across party lines have condemned the attacks. Advocacy groups for reproductive rights and public service unions have also issued statements of concern, calling for better protection for individuals in public life.

“We must not allow violence to become the language of political expression,” said Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan. “This was an assault not just on our colleagues, but on the very values of representative democracy.”

The suspect remains at large. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in his apprehension. Updates will be issued as the investigation develops.