Did They Think He Was One of Them?

How Vance Boelter was approached by an officer, said nothing, and allowed to continue hunting lawmakers.

Minnesota Lawmakers Targeted in Shooting by Suspect Disguised as Police Officer: The Role of Race and Trust in a Troubling Pattern

On June 14, 2025, Minnesota was shaken by a deadly attack in which Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home, and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were seriously injured in Champlin. The suspect, 57-year-old Vance Boelter, was arrested and charged with multiple counts including murder.

Boelter carried out the attack while wearing what appeared to be a police uniform — including a tactical vest, badge, and Taser — and driving a dark SUV equipped with emergency lights. He also wore a mask depicting a generic white man. This disguise allowed him to gain access to his victims’ homes with minimal suspicion.

This tactic echoes a disturbing historical precedent: serial killer Ted Bundy also dressed as a police officer during the 1970s to lure victims by exploiting the public’s trust in law enforcement.

Race and Authority: An Overlooked Factor