National News Update: June 14, 2025
Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting: Manhunt Intensifies
A massive manhunt is underway in Minnesota after the shocking assassination of State Representative Melissa Hortman and the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman early Saturday morning. Authorities have identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter, a former security firm employee with a history of public service appointments and controversial evangelical activism. Boelter allegedly posed as a police officer to carry out the attacks, which officials believe were politically motivated[1][2].
The shootings occurred at the homes of both lawmakers, with Hortman and her spouse fatally shot and Hoffman and his wife seriously wounded but now in stable condition after surgery. Law enforcement responded swiftly, but Boelter managed to escape on foot after an exchange of gunfire. The FBI has issued a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, and border patrol agents across the U.S.-Canada border have been alerted as the search expands[1][2].
Authorities continue to investigate possible connections between Boelter and his victims, noting some overlap in public meetings but no confirmed personal relationships[1]. As the community reels from this tragedy, our hearts go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of those affected. We extend our deepest condolences and hope for a swift recovery for Senator Hoffman and his wife. In times of senseless violence, the strength and unity of community are more important than ever.
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Draw Millions
Across the United States, millions took to the streets in the largest single-day mobilization since President Donald Trump’s return to office. The "No Kings" protests, organized in nearly 2,000 locations, called for an end to authoritarian overreach and the militarization of government power[3].
New York City saw an estimated 200,000 demonstrators, while Chicago's turnout reached up to 100,000, effectively shutting down the Loop for hours[4].
-Philadelphia hosted a flagship rally with about 40,000 participants[4].
- Protests ranged from massive city marches to small gatherings in neighborhoods and retirement communities, all united under the banner of peaceful resistance[3][4].
- In Chicago, a Pink Line train operator slowed at Clark and Van Buren to sound a supportive whistle, prompting cheers from the crowd[4].
- Senior residents in Edgewater, Chicago, organized their own intersection protest, demonstrating that activism knows no age limit[4].
- Protesters in Los Angeles, despite a heavy law enforcement presence and curfews, maintained a festive atmosphere, with some donning paper crowns labeled "No Kings" and carrying humorous signs like "I'd Rather Have a Cat President"[3].
Despite the scale of the demonstrations, police in major cities reported no arrests and largely peaceful gatherings, with organizers emphasizing nonviolence and de-escalation[3][4].
Trump’s Approval Ratings Plummet
President Trump’s approval ratings, particularly among millennials, have seen a marked decline. The latest YouGov/Economist poll shows only 40 percent of millennials approve of Trump’s performance, down from 48 percent just two weeks ago, while 53 percent now disapprove[5]. Key reasons cited include:
- Widespread disapproval of Trump’s harsh immigration policies, with nearly half of millennials saying his approach is too severe[5].
- Public backlash over the deployment of National Guard troops to quell protests, which many see as an abuse of executive power[3].
- Growing concerns about the administration’s handling of civil rights and freedom of expression, fueling the surge in protest participation[3][4].
As the nation processes a day of profound grief and powerful civic action, the resilience and compassion of everyday Americans shine through. From those mourning in Minnesota to the millions marching for democracy, the message is clear: the nation stands united in the face of adversity, determined to shape a future grounded in justice, empathy, and hope.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/minnesota-shootings-manhunt-06-14-25
[2] https://kstp.com/kstp-news/top-news/57-year-old-suspect-sought-in-targeted-shootings-of-minnesota-state-lawmakers/
[3] https://www.cbsnews.com/news/no-kings-day-demonstration-protest-rally-trump-military-parade/
[4] https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/14/chicagos-no-kings-march-draws-thousands-to-protest-president-donald-trump-live-blog/
[5] https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-polls-millennials-2084010
[6] https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-polls-2084992
[7] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/11/trump-quinnipiac-poll-immigration-00400784
[8] https://www.npr.org/2025/06/14/nx-s1-5433645/minnesota-state-legislators-lawmaker-shootings
[9] https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/14/us/gallery/no-kings-protests
[10] https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2025/06/11/trump-approval-rating-tracker-below-40-in-latest-poll-but-voters-side-with-trump-over-musk/
[11] https://foxsportsradio.iheart.com/content/2025-06-13-trumps-approval-rating-sets-new-record/
[12] https://abcnews.go.com/US/gov-walz-rep-omar-dozens-minnesota-democrats-gunmans/story?id=122847427
[13] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/14/no-kings-protest-trump-00406243
[14] https://www.newsweek.com/trump-approval-rating-states-no-kings-protest-2083997
[15] https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/minnesota-dfl-shootings-melissa-horman-suspect-vance-boelter/
[16] https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06/14/us/protests-news
[17] https://nypost.com/2025/06/14/us-news/suspect-in-deadly-minnesota-shootings-identified-as-vance-luther-boelter/
[18] https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/no-kings-protests-philadelphia-donald-trump-ice-deportation-immigration-live-updates/4209564/
[19] https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/melissa-hortman-killed-john-hoffman-political-shootings/
[20] https://www.cpr.org/2025/06/14/no-kings-protest-colorado/
[21] https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/06/14/no-kings-anti-trump-protests-live-updates/84131727007/
[22] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/live-blog/minnesota-lawmakers-shooting-manhunt-live-updates-rcna213090
[23] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/us/politics/minnesota-shootings-gunman-suspect.html
[24] https://www.kuow.org/stories/photos-no-kings-protests-around-the-pacific-northwest
[25] https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/trump-must-go-massive-crowds-no-kings-bay-area-20377514.php
[26] https://poll.qu.edu/poll-release?releaseid=3924
[27] https://www.yahoo.com/news/president-donald-trumps-approval-rating-193046695.html
[28] https://www.startribune.com/brooklyn-park-police-searching-for-suspect-in-multiple-targeted-shootings/601372993
[29] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/polls/donald-trump-approval-rating-polls.html
[30] https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-06-13-trumps-approval-rating-sets-new-record/
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