The police in the American state of Minnesota have announced the name of the suspect who opened fire on two politicians and their partners. It concerns 57-year-old Vance B. The suspect is still on the run.
The name was announced on Saturday evening at a press conference. Photos of the 57-year-old suspect were shared. No details were given about a possible motive.
B. is reportedly working for a security company, according to CNN. In addition, he was active in politics and worked on a project with John Hoffman, one of the two politicians who were shot. This is reported by news agency AP based on state documents. It is unclear to what extent the two knew each other.
It concerns two shootings that took place on the night from Friday to Saturday (local time) in the north of Minneapolis, the largest city in Minnesota. The suspect posed as an officer, after which he opened fire on two politicians and their spouses.
It concerns parliamentarians John Hoffman and Melissa Hortman, two politicians from the Democratic party. Hoffman works as a senator in Minnesota and Hortman as a representative in that state. Hortman died a few hours later from her injuries, as did her husband.
The police are conducting a manhunt for the suspect, who escaped after a firefight with the police. Agents did find a vehicle in which a list of names of even more politicians was found.
According to local media, the police have sent people to the homes of other parliamentarians to secure them.
According to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, the FBI is also present to support the local police. President Donald Trump has been informed and condemns the “terrible violence.”
In Minneapolis on Saturday, as in many other American cities, a so-called ‘No Kings Day’ protest was planned. That protest is aimed against President Trump. The organization has canceled the protest after Governor Waltz called for not participating in political events until the shooter is arrested.
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