Connect with us

Crime

Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband both died of multiple gunshot wounds

Published

on

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested

Published

on

14-Year-Old Middleton High School Student Carson Chrapkowski Dies After Bicycle Crash, Driver Alyssa Anderson Arrested Canyon County, Idaho
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

MIDDLETON, Idaho — A 14-year-old Middleton High School student has died after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the high school Friday night, according to the Middleton Police Department.

The teenager was transported by Life Flight to St. Luke’s Boise following the crash but died from his injuries early Saturday morning.

Middleton police said the crash involved a vehicle and a bicyclist near Middleton High School. The 14-year-old suffered critical injuries and was flown to a Boise hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Police announced Saturday morning that the young bicyclist had succumbed to his injuries.

The teen was identified in the information provided for this report as Carson Chrapkowski, a Middleton High School student. However, the police department’s public statement did not release the teenager’s name.

Advertisement

Police arrested 41-year-old Alyssa Louise Anderson in connection with the crash. Anderson was booked into the Canyon County Jail.

According to police, Anderson is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter, aggravated DUI and leaving the scene of an injury accident.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances leading up to the collision or the specific allegations supporting the DUI charge.

The crash remains under investigation by the Middleton Police Department and Idaho State Police. Investigators have not released further information about the sequence of events or whether additional charges could be filed.

Police said they are continuing to work to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

Advertisement

The Middleton Police Department expressed condolences to the teenager’s parents, family, friends, classmates and others affected by his death as the community mourns the loss of a young student.


Continue Reading