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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.