BLOOMINGTON, Minn. — A man suspected in the fatal shooting of a Minnesota lawmaker and an attempted assassination of another has been apprehended after an extensive nearly two-day manhunt described as the largest in state history. Vance Boelter, 57, was arrested Sunday following the attacks that took place Saturday morning.
Boelter is accused of fatally shooting Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, while also wounding Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their homes in separate incidents. The arrest followed a massive search by law enforcement, which involved over 100 agents and various advanced technologies, including infrared cameras and drones.
Authorities located Boelter’s vehicle abandoned on the side of a highway in Sibley County, where they discovered significant evidence linked to the shootings. He was ultimately found in a wooded area, where he surrendered to law enforcement without further incident. Boelter has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz commented on the incident, asserting that “justice will be served.” He expressed deep sadness over the violence, emphasizing the need for unity amidst political differences. “Now is the time for us to recommit to the core values of this country,” he said, urging citizens to engage in constructive conversations rather than resorting to violence.
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, addressed the nature of a document found in Boelter’s possession, clarifying that it is not a traditional manifesto but rather a collection of notes that included various politicians’ names. “I don’t want the public to have the impression that there’s this long manifesto,” Evans stated, offering context before the suspect’s arrest.
Boelter’s longtime roommate described him as deeply conservative and noted he had been struggling with recent life changes, including a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the shootings, he sent a troubling text to his friends implying he might not be around much longer, which raised further concerns about his mental state.
The timeline of the attacks has revealed that Boelter allegedly posed as a law enforcement officer when he approached Hoffman’s home, knocking on the door and announcing himself as such before entering. Eyewitness reports indicate that police responded promptly to the scene, where they encountered him in a deadly confrontation.
Minnesota Department of Public Safety officials noted the swift response by law enforcement likely prevented further violence. Both Sen. Hoffman and his wife are recovering, with reports indicating that the senator was shot multiple times but is showing signs of improvement.
As the community reflects on this tragic event, state leaders, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, have commended law enforcement agencies for their coordinated efforts in swiftly bringing Boelter into custody. The story continues to unfold, with court proceedings scheduled in the coming days as the investigation deepens.