FBI Offers $50,000 Reward for Fugitive in Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Case

CHAMPLIN, Minn. — June 14, 2025 — The manhunt is intensifying across Minnesota as authorities from multiple law enforcement agencies search for 41-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who is wanted in connection with a string of shootings on Saturday morning that have left two state lawmakers critically injured and an entire region on edge.

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Boelter is the prime suspect in coordinated shooting attacks that took place in both Champlin and Brooklyn Park, in what investigators now believe were politically motivated, targeted acts of violence. The shootings have shocked state leaders and prompted heightened security across government institutions.

As part of the escalating effort to capture Boelter, the FBI has announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Authorities warn that Boelter should be considered armed and extremely dangerous, and urge the public not to approach him under any circumstances.

Timeline of Events

The shootings began early Saturday morning around 5:20 a.m., when local emergency dispatchers received reports of gunfire in a quiet residential area in Champlin. Responding officers discovered one victim, later confirmed to be State Representative Melissa Hortman, suffering from gunshot wounds outside her home. Minutes later, a second shooting was reported in Brooklyn Park, where State Senator John Hoffman was similarly targeted and seriously injured.

Both lawmakers were rushed to nearby hospitals and remain in critical but stable condition, according to officials. Authorities have not publicly detailed the motives behind the shootings, but multiple law enforcement sources have described the attacks as “targeted.”

Suspect Background: Vance Luther Boelter

Vance Boelter is not an unfamiliar name in Minnesota political circles. He was previously appointed to the Governor’s Workforce Development Board in 2019 by Governor Tim Walz and to the Governor’s Workforce Development Council in 2016 by then-Governor Mark Dayton. It remains unclear when or why Boelter became radicalized or turned against the very system he was once a part of.

Boelter’s recent activities and whereabouts have raised serious concerns. Investigators believe he may be impersonating law enforcement personnel, using fake credentials or a modified vehicle to gain access to secure areas or catch victims off guard. A shelter-in-place alert was issued early Saturday morning for residents in several parts of Hennepin County as police searched for the suspect.

Authorities believe Boelter may be traveling in a dark-colored SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer, outfitted with law enforcement-style lighting. He may be armed with multiple firearms, and investigators are working to determine if others may be involved or assisting him in evading arrest.

Public Safety Response and State Reaction

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety, along with the FBI, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), local police departments, and U.S. Marshals, are actively coordinating a state-wide manhunt. The Minnesota State Patrol has increased its visibility in sensitive government locations, and security protocols have been heightened at the Capitol and other state government buildings.

Governor Tim Walz released a statement calling the attacks “cowardly and reprehensible” and vowed that Boelter would be “brought to justice with the full force of law.” Flags across Minnesota have been ordered to fly at half-staff in honor of the wounded lawmakers.

“This is not just an attack on individuals,” Governor Walz said. “It is an attack on our democratic institutions, our public servants, and the values we stand for as Minnesotans.”

Call for Public Assistance

The FBI and Minnesota DPS are urging the public to remain vigilant. Anyone with information regarding Boelter’s whereabouts or details that could aid in the investigation is asked to contact the FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov. Anonymous tips are welcome, and the $50,000 reward remains active.

Authorities emphasize that no piece of information is too small and that swift public cooperation could be vital in preventing further violence.

Suspect Description:

• Name: Vance Luther Boelter
• Age: 41
• Height: Approximately 6’1”
• Build: Medium
• Last Seen: Possibly driving a dark-colored SUV with law enforcement-style markings or lights
• Status: Armed and dangerous; do not approach

This ongoing investigation continues to unfold, with federal and state authorities working around the clock. As the situation develops, the safety of public officials and the citizens of Minnesota remains the highest priority.