MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A manhunt is underway for a 57-year-old Minnesota man in connection with a shocking and brazen act of political violence that has left two state lawmakers seriously injured. Authorities confirmed to the Associated Press that the shooting was a “targeted attack” that took place on June 14, 2025. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, is a former public servant who once held key appointments to Minnesota’s workforce development boards under two separate governors.
Boelter, who previously served on Minnesota’s Workforce Development Council in 2016 under Governor Mark Dayton and was later appointed to a four-year term on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board by Governor Tim Walz in 2019, is now at the center of an intensive search led by state and local law enforcement. Once regarded as a respected contributor to Minnesota’s workforce and economic planning, Boelter is now the subject of a manhunt that has deeply alarmed both the political and civic communities in Minnesota.
The shooting, which occurred in an undisclosed location, has left two elected officials seriously injured. While their identities have not been publicly released, sources confirm that the victims are active state legislators. Law enforcement sources indicate that both were believed to have been specifically targeted. The investigation is still in its early stages, but the motives behind the attack remain unclear. Authorities are exploring whether the incident was politically or personally motivated, though no definitive answers have been provided.
Boelter’s deep ties to public service make the events surrounding this crime all the more shocking. As someone who once held positions of trust in the state government, his involvement in such an attack raises unsettling questions about the motivations of public figures and the ease with which a once-respected individual can veer into criminal violence. In 2016, Boelter was appointed to the Workforce Development Council by Governor Mark Dayton, an influential board tasked with advising on state workforce development issues. In 2019, Governor Tim Walz reappointed him to a four-year term on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. His work focused on creating economic opportunities and fostering job growth across Minnesota, making his actions all the more perplexing.
Now, Boelter is the subject of a statewide manhunt. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and local law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to locate the suspect, who is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities have not disclosed how Boelter fled the scene, nor have they provided any information regarding the type of firearm used in the attack. Investigators are working to piece together the timeline of events and assess whether this attack was part of a broader pattern of violence or an isolated incident fueled by personal grievances.
The victims, who remain in critical condition, were shot during what appears to have been an early-morning encounter. According to sources, the shooting took place in a location chosen by Boelter with deliberate intent. The attack was carried out quickly, and Boelter fled before law enforcement could respond, setting off an urgent search to track him down. The specific location where the attack occurred has not yet been made public, though sources say that it was a targeted space chosen for its proximity to the victims.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, not just about the safety of public officials but about the increasing political polarization that may have played a role in the shooting. The safety of elected leaders, once seen as a given in the functioning of democracy, has now come into question, with heightened scrutiny on the risks that political figures face in today’s climate. The Minnesota State Capitol and other government facilities have been placed on high alert as a result of the shooting, and security protocols for public officials across the state are being reviewed in response to this alarming incident.
“This is an attack not just on individuals, but on our democratic institutions,” said one state official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “The safety of our elected leaders must be paramount. We must ensure that these kinds of threats do not go unaddressed, and that justice is swiftly pursued.”
Governor Tim Walz’s office has not yet issued a formal statement on Boelter’s alleged involvement, but has confirmed that all cabinet members and legislators are being briefed and offered security as needed. The Governor’s Office has expressed deep concern about the attack and the potential ramifications it could have for public trust in the safety of state officials. While the immediate priority remains locating Boelter and securing the safety of all public officials, the incident has also raised larger questions about the state of political discourse and the risks associated with the increasing climate of division in the political arena.
As authorities continue their search for Boelter, the community has rallied in support of the victims and their families. The shooting has left many in the state in shock, unable to comprehend how such violence could be perpetrated against those elected to serve the people. People from all corners of the state are calling for justice and expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. The outpouring of support demonstrates the deep concern for the safety of public servants and the community’s desire to see this incident resolved swiftly.
The investigation is still in its early stages, but the BCA has promised to release more information as it becomes available. The search for Boelter is currently the top priority for law enforcement, and efforts are being made to gather any available evidence that could assist in his capture. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, speaking with witnesses, and looking into Boelter’s past actions and relationships to gain further insight into his motivations. Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has any information about Boelter’s whereabouts to come forward.
Boelter’s arrest will be pivotal in answering the many questions surrounding this tragic event. As the search intensifies, Minnesota residents are left hoping for swift justice and reflecting on the vulnerability of public officials in an increasingly dangerous political climate. The implications of this act of violence extend beyond the victims and their families—this is a moment for the state to consider how to ensure that democracy remains protected from those who would seek to undermine it through violence.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Boelter or information related to the case. As the investigation progresses, officials remain focused on bringing Boelter to justice and ensuring that the safety of public officials is maintained. The entire state of Minnesota is watching closely as law enforcement agencies work to resolve this crisis and provide justice for the victims of this targeted attack.
As more details become available, the community and officials alike are hoping for a resolution that ensures public safety and the continuation of peaceful political discourse in the state. Minnesota has always prided itself on its strong democratic traditions, and the hope is that this incident will not deter people from engaging in the political process but instead strengthen the resolve to protect the democratic values that define the state.
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