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.
AUSTIN, Texas — A man was taken into custody Saturday afternoon following a shooting inside the Austin Central Library that left one person seriously injured and prompted a large emergency response and temporary shelter-in-place order in the downtown area.
According to the Austin Police Department (APD), officers responded shortly after 12:00 p.m. to reports of gunfire inside the Austin Central Library, located at 710 W. César Chávez Street.
Upon arrival, police and Austin-Travis County EMS units found one victim suffering from a gunshot wound.
The individual was transported to a local hospital in serious but stable condition.
Assistant Police Chief Lee Rogers stated during a press briefing that the shooter fled the scene before officers arrived.
After an extensive search, the suspect—identified as 55-year-old Harold Newton Keene—was located and arrested in South Austin at approximately 1:25 p.m.
The library was safely evacuated, and the shelter-in-place alert was lifted shortly after Keene’s apprehension.
Authorities emphasized that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident involving only one suspect and one victim.
“This was not an active shooter situation,” Rogers confirmed.
Preliminary reports and public records reveal that Harold Newton Keene has a lengthy criminal history, including multiple arrests for assault, family violence, terroristic threats, burglary, drug possession, and evading arrest.
He is described by law enforcement officials as a habitual violent offender who has had numerous prior run-ins with police.
Records indicate Keene was previously arrested for threatening a man with a firearm several months ago and, in a separate incident, assaulted another inmate while in custody at the Travis County Jail.
In both cases, prosecutors later declined to pursue charges.
Authorities have not yet released a possible motive for the shooting or confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The Austin Police Department’s Major Crimes Division is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information related to the incident is urged to contact the Austin Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS.