Minnesota Shooting: Investigation Underway After Alleged Attack on State Officials
A shocking incident has unfolded in Minnesota, with a 20-year veteran of the state’s House of Representatives, Melissa Hortman, at the centre of an alleged attack. According to reports from the BBC, a security contractor and religious missionary, Mr Boelter, is believed to have been involved in the shootings.
The BBC reports that Mr Boelter had some level of political involvement, and his online CV reveals that he has worked as a security contractor and religious missionary in Africa and the Middle East. Furthermore, Facebook photos show that he once preached as a church pastor in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
As investigators continue to probe the incident, they reportedly discovered a list of "targets" in the vehicle that Mr Boelter is thought to have driven during the alleged shootings. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, addressed reporters on Sunday, stating that the notebook found in the car could not be described as a "manifesto". "It’s not a treatise on all kinds of ideology and writings," Mr Evans said.
The BBC reports that local media have identified some of the names on the list, including Governor Walz, congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and state Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. However, during Sunday’s press conference, Mr Evans did not confirm these details, stating only that state officials had contacted authorities in Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, and Iowa to "notify individuals that were on that list".
As the investigation continues, many questions remain unanswered. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is working to determine the motivations behind the alleged attack, and whether Mr Boelter acted alone. The incident has sent shockwaves through the state’s community, with many calling for increased security measures for public officials.
According to the BBC, Melissa Hortman served as speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025, and had been a member of the chamber for 20 years. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of politicians and public officials, and the ease with which individuals can access and target them.
The authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward, as the investigation continues. As this is a developing story, the BBC will provide updates as more information becomes available.
