Minnesota Assassin Alert Issued in South Dakota as Manhunt Expands

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a Minnesota Democrat, said on during an interview on Sunday that authorities believe Vance Boelter, the suspect in the assassination of Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, is still in the Midwest.

The senator said that authorities have put out an alert in South Dakota before adding that authorities believe Boelter may still be "in the vicinity," which means "in the Midwest."

Newsweek reached out to the offices of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers for comment outside of normal business hours on Sunday for comment.

Why It Matters

An assassin shot and killed Hortman and her husband, Mark, early Saturday morning after posing as law enforcement to gain access to their home. The shooter had earlier that morning shot state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in their home, but the couple underwent surgery and are in stable condition at the hospital.

Walz called the shooting "a politically motivated assassination," and has enacted a significant manhunt across the state to try and catch Boelter whom authorities identified as a person of interest in the case.

Boelter was last seen on security camera footage in a store in Minneapolis, wearing different clothing including a cowboy hat.

Police found a list of possible targets in the suspect's vehicle, which named more than 50 individuals, including other politicians, some of whom are outside of Minnesota, abortion rights advocates, and abortion facilities.

What To Know

During an appearance on NBC News' Meet the Press, Klobuchardiscussed what updates have occurred on Sunday as the manhunt for Boelter continues, including the current scope of the investigation and Boelter's potential whereabouts.

When asked if authorities believe Boelter may still be in Minnesota, Klobuchar said: "He may be. They've also put an alert out in South Dakota. You know, when I mean vicinity, I mean in the Midwest."

"For a while they believed that he was in one certain area, and he may have been there for a while," the senator added. "So, they had thousands of homes in a shelter in place situation. Now they are continuing to look. And so, the FBI is asking for the public's help with a $50,000 award."

Klobuchar noted the various changes in attire Boelter went through over just the first day of his flight, including his initial police-esque attire, which included what looked like some kind of rubber mask, and a later photo taken in Minneapolis, during which he wore a cowboy hat and plainclothes.

"They are looking for him everywhere," Klobuchar said. "He is smart. He was able to impostor a police officer, soup up a car so it seemed like a police car. I know law enforcement has been very clear about this, that people should not approach him, that they should immediately call the tip lines and report. Because we believe he's somewhere in the vicinity and that they are going to find him, but right now everyone is on edge here."

She added: "We also know that he is clearly off-balance, from the manifesto on, some of his writings, some of the things that he has said recently, that he is someone that no one should mess with except for law enforcement."

Klobuchar added to Walz's assertion that the killings are "politically motivated," and praised the unified response from the Minnesota delegation, which included Republicans and Democrats jointly condemning the attack.

"It was politically motivated, and there clearly was some throughline with abortion because of the groups that were on the list, and other things that I've heard were in this manifesto. So that was one of his motivations," Klobuchar said.

She continued: "But again, they're also checking out, did he have interaction somehow with these two legislators? Is there more to this? And I think for us right now, allowing law enforcement to do their jobs instead of speculating on every angle of where he might have gone. They obviously have information we don't have."

What People Are Saying

President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!"

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on X: "The Attorney General's Office will do whatever it can to assist law enforcement in their investigation. My heart goes out to Melissa's and Mark's two children and their families."

He added: "I'm also praying for Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette and wish them a full and speedy recovery. And I hope Minnesotans can offer grace, care, and kindness to each other in the days ahead."

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in a statement on X wrote: "We are not a country that settles our differences at gunpoint. We have demonstrated again and again in our state that it is possible to peacefully disagree, that our state is strengthened by civil public debate. We must stand united against all forms of violence - And I call on everyone to join me in that commitment. To the responding officers, thank you for your bravery and your swift action. A State Bureau of criminal apprehension investigation is underway, and we will spare no resource in bringing those responsible to justice. Will not let fear win."

What Happens Next?

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity, "especially involving individuals impersonating law enforcement, please report it immediately," Bob Jacobson, Minnesota's commissioner of public safety, said during Saturday's press conference.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) announced on Saturday they are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Boelter.

"Anyone with information about these shootings or Boelter's location should call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) tip line at 877-996-6222 or email [email protected]. The public is asked to call 911 immediately if they see Boelter. Do not approach him."

Update 6/15/25, 5:48 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with a fresh video.