The targeted shootings of two Minnesota state lawmakers this weekend underscore a grim trend: An increasingly volatile political climate has left state and local officials more exposed than ever to threats and harassment.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is holding a news conference on the search for Vance Boelter from the State Emergency Operations Center in Blaine

Suspected assassin Vance Boelter is seen during his arrest in Sibley County following a two-day manhunt in Minnesota. Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher said someone matching Boelter's was seen on a resident's trail camera. Boelter attempted to evade arrest for about an hour,… pic.twitter.com/AMnUbM85Nh

Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early Saturday morning in “what appears to be a politically-motivated assassination,” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz said at a news conference Saturday.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recently issued an alert regarding text messages claiming to be “Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles” or “DPSMN.”

Minnesota officials said they are searching for Vance Luther Boelter, who was last seen in the Twin Cities area.