Minnesota Lawmakers Reckon With Political Violence And Democracy’s Fragility
It was just past 6 a.m. last Saturday when Congresswoman Kelly Morrison’s doorbell rang at her suburban Minneapolis home. Surprised by the early visitor, she looked outside and saw a police cruiser in her driveway.
The officers offered a stark warning: a man was impersonating a police officer, they said, and residents needed to shelter in place and not answer the door to anyone.
Morrison had no idea yet that a political nightmare had begun to unfold — one that would shake her, her colleagues, and the foundations of Minnesota’s democratic institutions.
Just hours earlier, a gunman had wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, then assassinated Speaker of the Minnesota House Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. At that moment, Morrison still didn’t know that she, too, was among the targets on the suspect’s alleged hit list.
A Calculated Attack
The shooter, later identified as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, reportedly donned tactical gear and approached homes in a black SUV marked “Police,” according to federal investigators. His first known target was Senator Hoffman’s home, where he tried to force entry before opening fire through a window.
Authorities say Boelter continued his rampage through the early morning hours, visiting the homes of at least two more state lawmakers. One was out of town; another may have been saved by the quick arrival of local police.
Boelter ultimately made his way to Hortman’s residence, where he fatally shot the House Speaker and her husband before exchanging gunfire with law enforcement and disappearing into the night.
A 43-hour manhunt followed — the largest in Minnesota history.
A Shocking Discovery
Later that day, Morrison joined a conference call with fellow Democratic lawmakers to receive updates on the shootings. That’s when she learned the chilling truth: she had been on Boelter’s list, along with dozens of others.
Authorities later found extensive writings and notes in Boelter’s possession. The documents included names of over 45 current and former state and federal officials — mostly Democrats, many with ties to abortion rights or Planned Parenthood.
As an OB-GYN and former Planned Parenthood volunteer, Morrison had faced threats before. But this was different. This time, friends had been murdered. This time, her name had been written down by someone who had already pulled the trigger.
“I called my husband right away,” she said. He was out of town but quickly went into what she described as “protective mode.” A former Army Ranger, he rushed home, and the couple brought in private security while local officers remained stationed outside.
They also activated a Capitol Police-recommended panic button.
A Widening Circle of Fear
State Rep. Esther Agbaje, another lawmaker named on Boelter’s list, had no idea she was in danger until later in the day. She was spending time with her fiancé and his mother, trying to make sense of the news and remain cautious. When she finally learned she had also been targeted, she felt the emotional weight settle in.
Both Morrison and Agbaje had to make difficult decisions about informing loved ones. Morrison told her children — two of whom were traveling in Minnesota — and called her parents.
“I had been pretty calm,” she said, “but when I heard my mom’s voice, I definitely kind of lost it.”
The Search Ends, But Grief Begins
By Sunday evening, the manhunt ended when Boelter was found and arrested near his home, about an hour away. He now faces multiple state and federal charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and charges that could carry the death penalty.
But for those he targeted — and the families left mourning — the emotional toll is just beginning.
“I think now that the acuteness of the manhunt and the trauma from the weekend is subsiding, we’re just feeling real grief,” Agbaje said.
Both lawmakers voiced deep concern about the future of public service and democracy in an environment increasingly shaped by threats, extremism, and violence.
“This was the moment where I kind of feel like everything has changed in the United States,” Morrison said. “This happened in my district. These are my people.”
Fighting for Democracy in the Shadow of Violence
On Wednesday, Morrison and other legislators gathered privately to honor Melissa Hortman, who was widely regarded as one of the most impactful legislative leaders in the state’s history.
“It was never about Melissa,” Morrison said. “It was always about the work … the end goal was always to make life better for Minnesotans.”
The tragedy has drawn stark comparisons to the 2017 shooting at a congressional baseball practice that critically injured Rep. Steve Scalise — a reminder that political violence is not limited by party lines.
Still, Morrison remains undeterred.
“This is not just an attack on those individual legislators; this is an attack on democracy itself,” she said. “I am not afraid of cowards like this man.”
And to those considering public service, she offers this message: “If you’ve ever thought of running for office, please continue pursuing it. Democracy needs you.”
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