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Suspect Arrested in Fatal Minnesota Lawmakers’ Shooting

Lawmakers across the country are demanding stronger security measures after the arrest, reflecting widespread alarm over threats fueled by escalating polarization tied to social media misinformation.

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A makeshift memorial for Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul on June 18.
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Overview

  • Minnesota police arrested 57-year-old Vance Boelter in connection with the June 14 shootings that killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and injured another senator and spouse.
  • Officials including Gov. Tim Walz are calling the attack a politically motivated assassination carried out by a suspect who identified as a Trump supporter and consumed far-right conspiracy content.
  • Researchers and experts link the recent surge in violence against elected officials to deepening partisan divides, incendiary political rhetoric, and the rapid spread of online misinformation.
  • Bipartisan proposals are emerging to bolster protection for lawmakers, including enhanced security protocols and shielding personal addresses from public records to deter targeted attacks.
  • A Princeton University study recorded over 600 incidents of harassment and threats against local officials in 2024, prompting law enforcement agencies to expand threat investigations and safety measures.