TRANSCRIPT
It’s been described as a dark day for democracy.
Minnesota is in mourning, and on high alert, as police and federal agents hunt for a gunman accused of killing Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark.
The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelte, allegedly posed as a police officer to carry out what officials are calling a politically motivated assassination.
He is also a suspect in the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.
They survived.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says the state has lost a leader and a friend.
"We're here today because an unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota. My good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination. Our state lost a great leader and I lost a dearest of friends. Speaker Hortman was someone who served the people of Minnesota with grace, compassion, humor, and a sense of service. 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. She is irreplaceable and will be missed by so many."
Authorities say the attacks took place in the early hours of Saturday local time.
Senator Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot multiple times at their home in Champlin.
Just over an hour later, officers checking on Speaker Hortman encountered the gunman in Brooklyn Park.
A shootout followed, but the suspect fled on foot.
Drew Evans from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety details the timeline of the shootings and police response.
“In the city of Champlin, where there was an individual that had shot Senator Hoffman and his wife. Police responded to that location, they were dealing with that, and working through that process overnight. And then later on at approximately 3:35, that another call came in when it was officers proactively checking because they knew of the incident that occurred, and they were going to check on Speaker Hortman at that time. At which time Brooklyn Park police officers encountered an individual, who immediately fired at them and they exchanged gunfire. And then the individual was able to escape, during that exchange of gunfire."
Boelter was reportedly dressed as a police officer.
Law enforcement say he also altered a vehicle to resemble a patrol car and used the disguise to gain access to the homes of his victims.
Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson says Boelter’s actions were a betrayal of public trust.
"This is a dark day today for Minnesota and for democracy, but we will not allow fear or violence to define who we are or how we move forward. We will stand together and we will stand strong.. ...The suspect exploited the trust of our uniforms that our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing to those of us who wear the badge with honour and responsibility."
Authorities later discovered Boelter’s car in rural Sibley County, southwest of Minneapolis.
Inside, they found what police chief Mark Bruley described as a manifesto naming other politicians and officials.
Chief Bruley confirms the car was used by the suspect and reveals its contents.
"What I will tell you, 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, who took action on alerting them and providing security where necessary."
The discovery of that car triggered an emergency alert to locals in Faxon Township.
Officers armed with rifles and accompanied by sniffer dogs scoured surrounding fields and wooded areas.
Ben Wagner lives nearby and told reporters he was shaken by the sudden police presence.
He describes the tension and surprise in his rural neighbourhood.
"I feel safe. I'm not too worried about it. I mean, obviously, it's concerning but there's a huge police presence and I feel protected. Scary, but in the same sense, I'm not too scared. ...
"I haven't heard anything really. Just from Facebook and other alerts, just finding out that it's happening here. So that was kind of weird to see your street name being named, but haven't heard anything, haven't seen anything. I can see the car from here but, other than that, nothing."
The FBI has now offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest.
Minnesota Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar says the suspect is likely still in the Midwest and may be dangerous.
"We believe he's somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him. But right now, everyone's on edge here, because we know that this man will kill at a second."
Residents are urged to stay alert and report any sightings.
Tributes now cover the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, with flowers, messages, and a photo of Melissa and Mark Hortman.
One note reads: You were our leader through the hardest of times. Rest in power.
Leaders including Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, and Mike Johnson have condemned the attack, calling for an end to political violence and warning that democracy cannot survive when disagreement leads to bloodshed.
