“I May Be Dead Shortly”: Manhunt for Vance Boelter After Chilling Text and Attempted Assassination of Rep. Melissa Hortman
MINNEAPOLIS, MN — June 14, 2025
A multi-state manhunt is underway for Vance Boelter, 57, who is accused of targeting Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman in an attempted assassination that has sent shockwaves through the political community. Authorities say Boelter vanished after sending an ominous text to his roommates early Saturday morning, suggesting he may not survive the day.
Law enforcement officials have identified Boelter as the primary suspect in the attack and are working alongside the FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and South Dakota authorities to track him down. The search has intensified after Boelter sent a deeply disturbing message to his longtime friends and roommates in North Minneapolis at 6:17 a.m. Saturday.
“David and Ron, I love you guys. I made some choices, and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. I don’t want to say anything more and implicate you in any way because you guys don’t know anything about this. But I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”
The message was read aloud to reporters by David Carlson, 59, who has known Boelter since the fourth grade. Carlson and another roommate, Ron Ramsey, said they were blindsided by the message and had no knowledge of Boelter’s intentions.
Police stormed Boelter’s residence at 4830 Fremont Avenue North later that afternoon. Witnesses described a dramatic raid, with officers using an armored vehicle to breach the home. The front door was busted open, windows were shattered, and track marks from the vehicle remained across the lawn. Officers reportedly spent hours searching the house but found no sign of Boelter.
“He was like a brother to me,” Carlson told reporters, still visibly shaken. “There were no warning signs. Nothing like this. I can’t believe he’s capable of something like this.”
Boelter is believed to have stayed at the Fremont Avenue residence one or two nights a week to be closer to his workplace. Police have not yet confirmed his place of employment or how he may have accessed Rep. Hortman.
Rep. Melissa Hortman, a veteran legislator and former Speaker of the Minnesota House, survived the attack and is said to be in a secure location under protective watch. Authorities have not released full details of the assassination attempt, citing the ongoing investigation and security concerns.
Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar condemned the violence in statements Saturday morning, calling the attack an assault on democracy.
“Let me be clear—targeting public servants with violence is a vile and cowardly act,” Walz said. “We will use every available resource to bring this suspect to justice.”
Meanwhile, South Dakota law enforcement has issued a bulletin for a “person of interest” who may be traveling with Boelter. Details about the second individual remain limited, but investigators believe the two could be attempting to flee across state lines.
The FBI has urged the public to remain vigilant. Boelter is believed to be armed and dangerous, and citizens are advised not to approach him under any circumstances.
Suspect Description – Vance Boelter:
- Age: 57
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: ~190 lbs
- Hair: Brown (graying)
- Eyes: Blue
- Vehicle: Possibly driving a gray 2008 Ford Escape with Minnesota license plates
Anyone with information on Boelter’s whereabouts is urged to call the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or contact local law enforcement immediately.
Stay with us for updates.