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By Hollie Silverman and Peter Aitken
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The suspect in the assassination of a Democrat lawmaker in Minnesota Saturday morning had a stack of flyers reading 'No Kings' in their vehicle, Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) said on X, formerly Twitter.
"No Kings" refers to the thousands of demonstrations scheduled to take place throughout the United States on Saturday in protest of President Donald Trump, who turns 79 today, as he holds a military parade to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
Why It Matters
Minnesota Democratic state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed early Saturday morning at their Brooklyn Park home in an act of "targeted political violence," Governor Tim Walz said during a press conference Saturday.
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The gunman was posing as law enforcement. Walz called the shooting "a politically motivated assassination."
The gunman, who remains at large, had targeted the home of Hortman after shooting state Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their home in Champlin. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, both underwent surgery after the attack.
What To Know
MSP issued its warning on Saturday afternoon as more information became available about the circumstances surrounding the Hortmans' murder. After discovering the "No Kings" flyers, authorities advised the public against attending the protests.
"Given the targeted shootings of state lawmakers overnight, we are asking the public to not attend today's planned demonstrations across Minnesota out of an abundance of caution," the MSP said, adding, "The photo is of flyers inside the vehicle of the suspect in today's shootings."
However, "No Kings" organizers soon cancelled all protests across the state, citing a need for "an abundance of caution."
In a statement sent to Newsweek via email, organizers of "No Kings" said: "Out of an abundance of caution and in adherence to guidance from Governor Walz and the Minnesota State Patrol, all remaining No Kings events in Minnesota are being canceled immediately. This decision comes in light of the ongoing shelter-in-place order and the tragic shooting that targeted two elected officials and their spouses. We are doing this in accordance with local and state guidance given the suspect is still at large impersonating a police officer."
"Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the communities shaken by this violence," the group added. "We are in close contact with our hosts, attendees, and state and local officials and remain committed to ensuring all other events around the country proceed peacefully and safely."
Law enforcement sources have since then identified 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as the suspect, according to the Associated Press. The search for Boelter, who was also using a vehicle similar to law enforcement, continues, officials said.
Residents of the areas surrounding Brooklyn Park are advised to shelter in place and not answer the door to any law enforcement officer that shows up by themselves.
Update 6/14/25, 4:03 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 6/14/25, 1:26 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Correction 6/14/25, 7:10 p.m. ET: This article has been updated to correct the spelling of the Hortmans' last name.
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