In a move raising alarm among free speech advocates and transparency watchdogs alike, Minnesota authorities are refusing to release the manifesto of the man accused of assassinating former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and attempting to murder State Senator John Hoffman — despite mounting public outcry for answers.

Vance Boelter, 57, was apprehended Sunday after a two-day manhunt. Police say Boelter left behind a detailed manifesto listing over 70 political figures as potential targets, including Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, and members of the state’s congressional delegation. But the document remains under lock and key.

“We did find a manifesto that identified many lawmakers and other officials,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley. “We immediately made alerts to the state to provide security wherever necessary.”

The suspect also had “No Kings” flyers in his vehicle — echoing the theme of nationwide anti-Trump protests that erupted on the very day of the attacks.

While authorities stopped short of linking the attack to the coordinated left-wing demonstrations, the timing and symbolism have not gone unnoticed.

A Political Hit?

The manifesto reportedly named Hortman and Hoffman — both Democrats — as specific targets. Both were shot at their homes on the same night. Hortman and her husband were killed; Hoffman and his wife were injured but survived.

Notably, a viral news clip featuring a visibly distressed Hortman emerged online just hours after the shooting. In it, she tearfully defended a controversial budget vote in which she opposed a measure to fund healthcare for illegal immigrants — breaking ranks with her party and joining Republicans.

“She looked terrified in that video. She knew the blowback was coming,” one commenter wrote.

While authorities have not confirmed any political motive, speculation is rampant that Hortman’s deviation from the far-left orthodoxy may have made her a target.

Silence from Officials, Stonewalling from the State

Despite the implications for public safety, Minnesota officials are refusing to release the manifesto, citing vague “security concerns.” The refusal comes even as citizens demand to know whether other lawmakers — or everyday Minnesotans — are still at risk.

“This is a stunning betrayal of the public’s right to know,” said one Minnesota resident during a local radio call-in. “They’d release it in a heartbeat if it was a MAGA hat on the shooter.”

Even more troubling, the FBI is now involved in the investigation, according to a brief statement from the White House. But transparency appears to be the first casualty.

Meanwhile, Democrat leaders have condemned the shootings, calling them “politically motivated,” but they’ve offered little explanation for the growing evidence linking the incident to leftist anti-Trump protests or internal DFL divisions.

What Are They Hiding?

The refusal to release the manifesto — even with redactions — is fueling speculation that the contents don’t align with the preferred narrative.

If the suspect had MAGA stickers on his bumper, the manifesto would already be on CNN’s homepage.
Instead, the state is burying it.

As questions continue to swirl, one fact is clear: the public deserves answers. And so far, Minnesota authorities are choosing secrecy over truth.