The Events Leading Up to the Minnesota Shooting Suspect's Attacks

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() New information from the FBI reveals the events leading up to the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses Saturday.

Vance Boelter, 57, is facing both state and federal charges in the shootings. State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed during the shootings, while state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife survived.

Authorities called the attack the “stuff of nightmares” and said Boelter planned the attack and surveilled his victims prior to the shootings.

Prior to Jun. 14

According to court documents, Boelter stalked a number of lawmakers who were mostly or all Democrats. He allegedly used websites that provide personal information to look for addresses and names of family members.

Boelter allegedly researched and bought a hyperrealistic silicone mask and materials used to make the police license plate on his SUV.

Jun. 14, 2025

2:00 a.m. Around two in the morning, Boelter allegedly drove his SUV to the home of Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman in Champlin, Minnesota, wearing a silicone mask and dressed in a way similar to a police officer.

Court documents say he shouted, “This is the police. Open the door.” When the Hoffmans opened the door, the suspect shone a flashlight in their faces and said there had been a shooting reported inside the home and asked if they had weapons. John Hoffman replied that they did, but they were secured, documents say.

According to the filing, when Boelter lowered the flashlight, the couple realized he was not a real police officer. At that point, the suspect said “this is a robbery” and attempted to push into the house, shooting both Hoffmans.

At 2:06 a.m., their daughter called 911 to report the shooting. First responders took the couple to the hospital, where they were stabilized after suffering critical gunshot wounds.

2:24 a.m.: Video footage allegedly shows Boelter ringing the doorbell at the home of another, unidentified lawmaker in Maple Grove, Minnesota.

He allegedly repeatedly said “this is the police” and said he had a warrant while demanding the lawmaker open the door.

The lawmaker was not home, and the suspect eventually left.

2:36 a.m.: After the shooting of the Hoffmans, law enforcement officers were dispatched to the homes of lawmakers for safety checks.

An officer sent to the home of a second, unidentified lawmaker in New Hope, Minnesota, saw a man she now believes was Boelter sitting in an SUV on the street.

Believing him to be another officer also sent to check on the lawmaker, the officer attempted to speak with the man, but he did not respond. She then continued to the home of the lawmaker and waited for other officers to join her.

By the time additional law enforcement arrived, the SUV had left the area.

3:30 a.m.: Officers in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, were sent to the home of Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman for a safety check.

When they got there, officers saw a black SUV with a “POLICE” license plate and flashing police lights in the driveway.

Court documents say the officers saw Boelter at the door of the home. Moments later, the affidavit says he began firing shots as he moved into the home before fleeing out the back door.

Inside, officers found Hortman, her husband and the family dog all shot. Hortman and her husband did not survive their injuries.

Evidence found inside the SUV included five weapons, a large amount of ammunition, a medical kit and notes on individuals, including lawmakers. Officers also found the gun, flashlight, tactical vest and mask in the area.

6:18 a.m.: Boelter’s wife received a group text saying, “Dad went to war last night,” court documents say. When officers searched her car, they found two handguns, passports for herself and her children and $10,000 in cash.

7:00 a.m.: Boelter allegedly purchased an electric bicycle from an unnamed witness who had no prior connection to him.