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WhiskeyGrinder

(27,079 posts)
Mon Apr 20, 2026, 05:30 PM 3 hrs ago

Newly released records detail police response to lawmaker attacks (Hortmans/Hoffmans)

https://www.startribune.com/newly-released-records-detail-police-response-to-lawmaker-attacks/601783138

https://archive.ph/ncylR

A trove of records released Monday, April 20, shows law enforcement dispatching drones, helicopters and personnel throughout the Twin Cities suburbs in an attempt to find the suspect involved in a series of politically motivated shootings last summer.

Despite those efforts, the alleged shooter, Vance Boelter, evaded capture for 43 hours. The documents show law enforcement recognized almost instantly there was a grave threat to state lawmakers. The attacks killed former House DFL Leader Melissa Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their dog, Gilbert. They severely wounded state Sen. John Hoffman, his wife, Yvette, and their daughter, Hope.

The documents detail the intensity of the search and the damage inflicted on the Hortman and Hoffman homes. They show how police knew a woman was lying motionless on the top of the stairs inside the Hortman home but waited 30 minutes to physically check on her.

(snip)

Last summer, the Star Tribune reported that Brooklyn Park officers waited an hour to physically enter the home to check on Melissa Hortman after seeing Mark Hortman get shot in the doorway. A senior law enforcement official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity and had been in several active shooter situations, said the situation fit the description of an active shooter. That meant officers should have gone into the house to confront Boelter and not waited to deploy drones.
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