Suspect Captured After Deadly Attacks on Minnesota Lawmakers
A suspect is in custody following a weekend of devastating shootings that targeted two Minnesota legislative couples, leaving a state representative and her husband dead and a state senator and his wife severely wounded. Vance Boelter, 57, was apprehended Sunday night after a widespread manhunt that authorities described as the largest in state history.
Boelter faces serious charges in connection with the attacks that unfolded early Saturday morning. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, at their Brooklyn Park home. He is also charged with two counts of second-degree attempted murder for allegedly shooting and critically injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, at their residence in Champlin.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz lamented the violence, stating that one man’s “unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota.”
Details Emerge About the Attacks
According to criminal complaints and official reports, the attacks appear to have been coordinated and deliberate. Authorities allege that Boelter impersonated a law enforcement officer to potentially gain entry, wearing gear that included a mask, a police vest, and a badge, and using a vehicle modified to resemble a police car.
The attack at the Hoffman home reportedly occurred first, with their adult daughter bravely calling 911 after her parents were shot. When police in a nearby jurisdiction learned a lawmaker had been targeted, they proactively checked on Representative Hortman’s home. Officers arrived to find Boelter’s vehicle and witnessed him shoot Mark Hortman before exchanging gunfire with the suspect, who then fled the scene. This encounter is believed to have potentially thwarted further violence. Melissa Hortman was found deceased inside her home.
Extensive Manhunt Culminates in Arrest
The subsequent manhunt for Boelter was massive, involving hundreds of personnel from federal, state, and local agencies, including multiple SWAT teams, K-9 units, air support, and infrared technology. The search focused on a rural area in Sibley County, southwest of Minneapolis, after Boelter’s vehicle was discovered abandoned there Sunday morning.
Boelter had reportedly been on the run since fleeing the scene at the Hortmans’ home. Officials intensely scoured the complex terrain of fields, woods, and streams. The breakthrough came Sunday evening when a Sibley County resident’s trail camera captured an image of the suspect, allowing law enforcement to establish a perimeter. After approximately an hour of evasion, Boelter reportedly crawled out towards SWAT teams and surrendered peacefully without force. He was armed at the time of his capture.
Suspect’s Background and Potential Motive
While the official investigation into the motive is ongoing, authorities discovered a critical piece of evidence in Boelter’s vehicle: a notebook containing a list of names and addresses. This list, described by officials as a “notebook” rather than a full “manifesto,” reportedly included 50 to 70 names of public officials, community leaders, and individuals associated with abortion rights advocacy, as well as details on healthcare facilities like Planned Parenthood locations. Lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, confirmed they were among those listed. The list also reportedly included lawmakers from neighboring states.
This finding, coupled with the targeting of legislators known for supporting abortion rights, has led officials to suggest the attacks were an act of targeted political violence.
Background information on Boelter indicates he previously served on a state workforce advisory board alongside Senator John Hoffman, though the extent of their relationship is unclear. Friends described him as having recently experienced mental health and financial difficulties related to failed business ventures. Investigators are currently focusing on whether Boelter acted alone or if a broader network was involved, though no evidence of the latter has surfaced yet. His wife and other relatives were questioned and have been cooperative with authorities.
Victims’ Resilience and Community Impact
The surviving victims, Senator John Hoffman and Yvette Hoffman, sustained incredibly severe injuries. Yvette Hoffman shared a statement expressing gratitude for public support, revealing that John sustained nine bullet hits and she sustained eight. Despite their critical condition and multiple surgeries, they are “incredibly lucky to be alive” but remain “gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark.” Their daughter Hope’s quick thinking in calling 911 has been credited with potentially saving lives.
Governor Walz praised the “heroic actions” of the Hoffman family daughter and highlighted the immense loss of State Representative Melissa Hortman, describing her as central to the state’s values and a trailblazing legislative leader. Memorials for Representative Hortman and her husband have begun appearing at the Minnesota State Capitol.
Attorney General Keith Ellison, also named on the suspect’s list, condemned the violence and the broader climate of political intimidation, vowing that the state would not be deterred.
The tragic events underscore a disturbing trend of attacks and threats against political figures across the United States. Authorities continue their investigation into all aspects of the crime.
