MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Authorities in Minnesota, aided by the FBI, are actively searching for 57-year-old Vance Luther Belter, who is suspected of a shocking attack on two state lawmakers. Security footage captured shortly after the incident shows Belter, who is considered armed and dangerous, according to officials.
During the assault, Belter reportedly wore a mask and impersonated a police officer to gain access to the residences of Minnesota House Leader Melissa Hortman and State Senator John Hoffman, both members of the Democratic Party. Tragically, Hortman and her husband were fatally shot, while Hoffman and his wife sustained serious injuries.
In a statement, a fellow lawmaker expressed deep sorrow, describing the attack as a politically motivated assassination against his colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband, Mark. The incident has sent shockwaves through the state’s political landscape.
Belter is no stranger to Minnesota’s political scene, having been appointed twice to the governor’s Workforce Development Commission, with his most recent appointment made by Governor Tim Walz. His familiarity with state politics has only intensified the urgency of the manhunt.
In response to the attack, President Trump, speaking from the White House, condemned the violence and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.
The confrontation with Belter began early Saturday when police encountered him outside the Hortman residence. Belter allegedly fired at the officers before fleeing on foot. Investigators later impounded a vehicle they suspect he used, which was outfitted with police lights and decals to aid in his disguise.
Inside the vehicle, authorities found materials linking Belter to a broader plot, including flyers for a group called “No Kings” and a list of 50 potential targets. These targets reportedly include advocates for abortion rights, abortion facilities, and officials beyond Minnesota’s borders.
The situation remains tense as law enforcement officials continue their search for Belter, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.