An emergency shelter-in-place alert issued for a specific area of Eagan, Minnesota, on Sunday evening was not connected to the ongoing statewide manhunt for the suspect involved in the recent shootings of state lawmakers.
Authorities in Eagan confirmed that the alert, which covered the vicinity of Lexington Avenue and Falcon Way, stemmed from an unrelated “emergency situation” being handled by local police. Residents in that immediate area were advised to stay indoors, lock doors, and remain away from windows for safety. A significant police presence, including SWAT teams, was reported at the scene, with KSTP’s photographer noting commands being issued to someone inside a residence. WCCO also reported hearing sounds resembling flash bangs during the developing situation.
The clarification from Eagan officials was important amidst heightened public concern due to the intense search for Vance Luther Boelter, the 57-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, as well as the related shooting and injury of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman.
The manhunt for Boelter began early Saturday morning following the incidents in Champlin and Brooklyn Park and has involved law enforcement across multiple locations, including Minneapolis and Sibley County, where Boelter’s vehicle was recently discovered. Given the widespread nature of the search and the severity of the attacks targeting state officials, any significant police activity like a shelter-in-place order in other parts of the state naturally drew public attention and speculation.
However, authorities have explicitly stated that the situation prompting the Eagan alert was separate from the large-scale effort to locate and apprehend Boelter, who remains at large. State and federal warrants have been issued for his arrest nationwide, and the FBI is offering a reward for information leading to his capture.
