Early morning hours of June 14, 2025, a haunting text message marked the beginning of one of the most disturbing acts of political violence in Minnesota’s history. “I made some choices… May be dead shortly,” wrote 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter to his longtime roommates just hours before he allegedly opened fire at the home of State Representative Melissa Hortman, killing her and her husband, and critically injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
That message—raw, emotional, and foreboding—has now become central to the investigation, as authorities attempt to understand how a once-trusted community member could carry out such a violent and politically motivated act.
“I Love You Guys. I’m Sorry.”
At around 6:17 a.m. on the day of the attacks, Boelter texted roommates David Carlson and Ron Ramsey, who had lived with him in a house on Fremont Avenue North in Minneapolis. Carlson, clearly shaken, shared the message publicly:
“David and Ron, I love you guys. I made some choices… I wish it hadn’t gone this way. I don’t want to say more and implicate you in any way… But I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”
Carlson, 59, had known Boelter since elementary school. Fighting back tears, he told reporters, “He was just the nicest guy. I can’t believe this has all happened.”
Boelter, who split his time between Green Isle and his Minneapolis rental, had recently paid several months’ rent in advance—something Carlson said seemed strange at the time, but he now sees in a much darker light. “He told me I was his best friend,” Carlson added. “He was saying goodbye.”
From Council Appointee to Fugitive
Boelter isn’t just another name in the news. Once a respected figure, he previously served on the Governor’s Workforce Development Council under both Democratic governors Mark Dayton and Tim Walz. He had no prior criminal record. Yet, over time, his financial situation had worsened, and his behavior had grown increasingly erratic.
Investigators believe Boelter had recently been pretending to be a law enforcement officer. He allegedly wore a realistic latex mask during the attack and used a black SUV outfitted with features meant to mimic a police cruiser. One of his roommates told police Boelter had acquired police-style vehicles while preparing to launch a private security company—an effort that ultimately never got off the ground.
Later that same afternoon, officers raided Boelter’s residence. The front door was smashed, windows shattered, and armored vehicle tire tracks scarred the front lawn. Boelter was nowhere to be found.
Authorities also impounded a black SUV parked in a nearby alley, which had a Minnesota plate but lacked emergency lights. It is still unclear whether this was the vehicle used during the shooting.
A Manifesto and a Target List
What investigators found next shocked even seasoned officers: a detailed manifesto and a target list naming some of Minnesota’s most prominent Democratic leaders. The list included Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Senator Tina Smith, Representative Ilhan Omar, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Tragically, both Representative Hortman and Senator Hoffman—who were targeted in the actual attacks—were also on the list.
The document also referenced abortion providers and pro-choice activists, pointing to a clear ideological motive behind Boelter’s rampage. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley called the manifesto “deeply concerning” and confirmed that Boelter was wearing police gear at the time of the attack.
Boelter’s past, once defined by public service and professional ambition, now appears riddled with signs of mental decline and political extremism. His final text messages to his roommates—filled with guilt, affection, and fatalism—paint a picture of a man who knew he was stepping into darkness.
Community on Edge, Manhunt Intensifies
The community remains on high alert as law enforcement expands its search radius around the Edinburgh Golf Course in Brooklyn Park. A shelter-in-place advisory remains in effect, and residents are being told not to open their doors to anyone claiming to be a police officer without first verifying their identity through a 911 dispatcher.
Boelter is considered armed, highly dangerous, and possibly still impersonating law enforcement. Authorities believe he fled on foot after exchanging gunfire with officers near the Hortman residence.
Meanwhile, Minnesota mourns the loss of Representative Hortman and her husband, while praying for the recovery of Senator Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. In a statement, Governor Walz confirmed the deaths and expressed deep sorrow: “This is a devastating day for Minnesota. Melissa was a dedicated public servant, a friend, and a fierce advocate. Her loss is immeasurable.”
A Troubled Mind and a Trail of Questions
As investigators work to piece together the timeline of Boelter’s descent, the people who knew him are left grappling with a stark contradiction: how someone so seemingly kind could harbor such dark intentions.
His roommates say there were signs—conversations about financial stress, erratic comments, and emotional farewells—but nothing they ever thought could lead to violence. Now, those missed moments weigh heavily.
The question remains: what pushed Vance Boelter over the edge? Was it financial pressure, untreated mental illness, or a deep ideological conviction turned deadly? The manifesto may hold some answers, but the pain left in his wake is far more than words on a page.
As the search for Boelter continues, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any sightings immediately. The man who sent a goodbye message to his friends now stands at the center of a chilling political tragedy—and Minnesota won’t rest until he is brought to justice.
