Mass Protest Unfolds Amid Political Assassinations in Minnesota
In the shadow of political violence that killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and wounded Sen. John Hoffman, Minnesotans gathered by the thousands for the nationwide "No Kings" protest opposing President Trump. Despite safety concerns, the demonstration proceeded with a defiant tone and calls for compassion, resistance, and accountability. A growing investigation into suspect Vance Boelter reveals a list of high-profile political targets, intensifying public alarm as Minnesota confronts the implications of this domestic terror event.
A somber mood settled over Minnesota Saturday, June 14, following two politically motivated assassination attacks that left state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband dead and Sen. John Hoffman and his wife injured.
The early morning attacks occurred just hours before a major protest was scheduled to take place in St. Paul, part of a national “No Kings” day of action opposing President Donald Trump. Authorities say the suspect, now identified as Vance Boelter, left behind flyers in his vehicle linking him to the anti-authoritarian protest movement. The Minnesota State Patrol confirmed Boelter’s arrest on June 15.
Officials warned Minnesotans not to attend the protest amid the uncertainty. Still, the demonstration moved forward, though under heavy emotional strain. Clouds mirrored the heavy emotions as demonstrators began gathering outside a local college.
Many stared solemnly at their phones, which displayed images of the “No Kings” flyers found in the suspect’s car and shared by the State Patrol. A message broadcast over loudspeakers urged the crowd to support one another through the tragedy.
“Today, we’re rejecting their cruelty and bringing love and compassion to every human,” said Sam O’Connell, one of the speakers.
The day’s original plans, including remarks from Gov. Tim Walz, were scrapped due to safety concerns. “The reaction to today’s news was somber, frightened, but resolute,” said organizer Heather Friedli-Ratzlaff. “We could not stand down in the face of those who are trying to intimidate us.”
Organizers held a moment of silence for the victims before proceeding with a shortened program. “What was planned as a joyous rebellion became a somber event,” Friedli-Ratzlaff said. “We’re thankful that everyone remained safe after the violence earlier today.”
As the march began along John Ireland Boulevard, thousands filled the wide avenue, stretching from the college campus to the steps of the State Capitol. Protesters hung signs from overpasses and waved banners as they moved en masse toward the Capitol grounds.
The Minnesota State Patrol estimated about 25,000 attendees in St. Paul, while local group 50501 Minnesota placed the crowd at more than 80,000. Across the U.S., NPR reported more than 5 million protesters participated in “No Kings” demonstrations — making it one of the largest coordinated protests in American history, surpassing the 1986 Hands Across America event.
Speakers at the Capitol included Attorney General Keith Ellison, activist Nekima Levy Armstrong, poet Kyle Tran (known as Guante), veteran Jacob Thomas, and Monique Cullars-Doty. The day featured performances, poetry, and impassioned speeches centered on resisting authoritarianism.
“We gather here today as part of a No Kings movement,” Levy Armstrong said. “Not because we hate this country, but because we love it too much to let it rise into authoritarian rule.
“This same administration is targeting DEI programs, Black history, truth in education, and the rights of poor people to exist and be seen,” she added. “We are not afraid, and we do not bow to kings.”
Protests were also reported in Rochester, Duluth, Anoka, Farmington, Stillwater, Ely, Grand Rapids, and dozens of other cities across Minnesota.
Many demonstrators nationwide expressed outrage at a taxpayer-funded military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — and coinciding with President Trump’s birthday. The parade reportedly cost $25-$45 million and drew far fewer than the anticipated 250,000 attendees.
The FBI and local law enforcement continue investigating suspect Boelter’s actions and motivations. Authorities have not yet released information about how he accessed the victims or whether others may have been involved.
However, upon Boelter’s vehicle search a notebook with 60-70 names of alleged targets was retrieved. This list contained names like Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Tina Smith, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and more — mostly DFL elected officials — as well as abortion providers.
As of June 16, Boelter is facing charges of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder, according to a criminal complaint.
Chris Juhn is a contributing writer and freelance photographer for the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder
Only 2nd Degree murder?
Not good enough.
Federal charges of Terrorism are warranted, along with the punishment that comes with such a charge.
You. Are. Correct.
Thanks for the coverage! Though we’d like to point out that the Women’s March Minnesota was Sam O’Connell, not Pam.