Crime
Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband both died of multiple gunshot wounds
Minnesota authorities have confirmed that State Representative Melissa Hortman, 53, and her husband, Mark Hortman, died from multiple gunshot wounds in a targeted shooting over the weekend.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner’s Office released the findings as the manhunt continues for the suspect, identified as Vance Luther Boelter, who remains at large.
Boelter, a 57-year-old security contractor, is suspected of shooting and killing the longtime Democratic lawmaker and her husband at their home near the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park.
He is also accused of shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their Champlin residence earlier that same morning.
The violence began shortly after 2 a.m. on Saturday, when Boelter—disguised as a law enforcement officer—arrived at Senator Hoffman’s home.
Senator Hoffman, who has served in the Minnesota Senate since 2013, was shot at least twice, and his wife was struck three times. Both survived and were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.
Concerned for the safety of other elected officials, officers conducted a welfare check at the home of Representative Hortman, who had served in the Minnesota House since 2005 and was currently the Democratic leader.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered the suspect, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Boelter reportedly retreated into the house and fled the area on foot. Despite immediate life-saving efforts, both Melissa and Mark Hortman were pronounced dead at the scene.
Boelter is reportedly employed by Praetorian Guard Security Services, a private security firm where he serves as the Director of Security Patrols, according to the company’s website. The site also highlights Boelter’s extensive training from U.S. military personnel and showcases images of vehicles and tactical gear resembling official police equipment.
Authorities have not confirmed whether Praetorian equipment was used or recovered at either crime scene. However, officials noted that Boelter had access to such resources through his position.
During the attacks, the suspect wore a latex mask and drove a replica police vehicle, which authorities say contained a manifesto and a list of names.
His appearance and vehicle led officers to issue an urgent warning to residents: Do not open your door to any lone police officer. A shelter-in-place order remains active for a 3-mile radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course area.
The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair, armed and extremely dangerous. Authorities emphasized that he is impersonating a law enforcement officer and could deceive residents by appearing legitimate.
“We are advising anyone in the area: If an officer knocks at your door, call 911 to verify their identity,” the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office said. “Licensed officers are currently operating in pairs only.”
Anyone who sees the suspect or has information on his whereabouts is urged to call 911 immediately and not attempt to approach him.
The motive for the attack remains under investigation, and officials have not disclosed the contents of the suspect’s manifesto.
A multi-agency response is underway, and state and federal law enforcement agencies have joined in the manhunt.
This developing story continues to shock the Minnesota political community and has prompted increased security measures for public officials statewide.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.