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.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.