Senators gunned down in "politically motivated assassination" by cop impersonator

[telephone89]

2 senators and their spouses shot overnight by someone pretending to be a cop. 2 dead, 2 just out of surgery. Apparently he shot their family dog too. Dude had a manifesto in his car with other politicians and flyers for a rally. Absolutely chilling.

I'm confused though, if they found his car (with the manifesto etc), how they wouldn't have more info on him. Car was fully fitted out, not like it was stolen.

Two Democratic lawmakers shot, one fatally, in ‘politically motivated assassination’ in Minnesota

Police say suspect was dressed as law enforcement and shot at responding officers before escaping

www.theguardian.com

 

[ShinyPink]

Tragic and sickening, but I'm only surprised that this hasn't happened more frequently this year.

 

[autumngems]

2 senators and their spouses shot overnight by someone pretending to be a cop. 2 dead, 2 just out of surgery. Apparently he shot their family dog too. Dude had a manifesto in his car with other politicians and flyers for a rally. Absolutely chilling.

I'm confused though, if they found his car (with the manifesto etc), how they wouldn't have more info on him. Car was fully fitted out, not like it was stolen.

Two Democratic lawmakers shot, one fatally, in ‘politically motivated assassination’ in Minnesota

Police say suspect was dressed as law enforcement and shot at responding officers before escaping

www.theguardian.com

Agree, they should know who it is with the car.

 

[telephone89]

Agree, they should know who it is with the car.

I saw some info on twitter that they had identified the person, but none of the articles (and I read like 20) noted his name at all.

Police in the area are working in pairs, warning residents not to even open their door if a singluar cop approaches.

 

[Calliecake]

CNN is reporting the suspected gunman’s name and picture have been released. He’s a security expert with a Doctorate degree.

Daily Mail has an article with his name and picture also. He’s is a 57 year old white male. There is currently a manhunt searching for him.

There is more information about him released but it’s considered political so I’m not posting it.

The only good news is John Hoffman and his wife are out of surgery and expected to survive.

 

[Lookinagain]

What a horrible thing. Apparently he had a hit list of about 70 people in his car. They think he is on foot now and will either try to steal a car, car jack or try to find someplace indoors to hide, or perhaps has some kind of accomplice/ally who will give him shelter.

 

[Garnetgirl]

So shocking, horrendous and incredibly sad for their families, and for their lives cut short.

The Guardian update says suspect’s name is Vance Boelter.

 

[lyra]

This is terribly disturbing. I try to stay away from this kind of thing, so I probably won't know the outcome or reasoning. It's just scary and awful.

 

[pearlsngems]

State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, killed.
State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, survived and are stable.

Prayers for all their loved ones.

 

[peppermintpatty]

The suspect, Vance Boelter has been taken into custody.

State Senator John Hoffman was shot 9 times and his wife Yvette was shot 8 times. It is a miracle they are alive. Yvette jumped on their adult daughter Hope Hoffman to shield her from the shots. Hope Hoffman was unharmed.

State Representative and House Speaker, Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed. When law enforcement made it to the Hortmans' home to do a well check, there was a vehicle outside of their home that looked exactly like and SUV squad care. Inside the vehicle was a manifesto with numerous other names of possible targets.

The suspect showed up to these homes in the vehicle as described above. He also was dressed in police-style tactical gear. He announced himself as a police officer before entering the victims residence. He did this in the middle of the night. I'm sure knowing they would be ill prepared for such a vicious attack in their own homes.

The victims never stood a chance. He clearly portrayed himself as one of the "good guys". He was anything but. It was enough to earn their trust.

Inside of the suspect's car when he was apprehended were the following: 3 Ak047 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list of names and addresses of other public officials. In addition, a ballistic vest, a mask. and a police style badge were recovered nearby.

Boelter's bail was set at $5 million.

The Hortmans' have two children. The Hoffmans' one, Hope. She was saved by her mom. Her mom was shot 8 times protecting Hope.

It is beyond me that this is where we are. People being shot, people being murdered by someone who worked very hard to have the victims believe they were law enforcement. I have heard of people wearing ICE vests and having ICE badges to coerce people into coming with them. The consequences for some of them have been dire.

I don't know what the answer is. A start would be businesses not selling these ICE gear to put people in dangerous positions.

My heart breaks for the victims and their families. State Senator John Hoffman is still going through multiple surgeries. I hope he is able to make a full recovery.

Praying for all of the victims and their families. Beyond the physical wounds, it is unimaginable to me the trauma they have all suffered.