Authorities arrested 57-year-old Vance Boelter late Sunday, ending a massive 43-hour manhunt. Boelter is accused of assassinating Democratic State Representative Melissa Hortman and shooting State Senator John A. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. The attack has shocked Minnesota and intensified fears of rising political violence. Police say Boelter posed as a law enforcement officer and fled after exchanging gunfire with police outside the Hortmans’ Brooklyn Park home.
Tactical Clues and Vehicle Lead to Capture
Investigators located Boelter’s abandoned Ford Explorer in a remote part of Sibley County, roughly an hour from the crime scenes. The SUV matched one used by Boelter’s security company, which authorities say was not fully operational. Tactical teams converged on the area Sunday night and apprehended Boelter without incident. Officers said he was armed but surrendered peacefully. Law enforcement also discovered a notebook listing nearly 70 targets, including Planned Parenthood sites and Democratic officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Lawmakers on Target List Spark Broader Alarm
Representative Hortman and Senator Hoffman were both named on Boelter’s target list, which included community leaders and public health providers. Senator Tina Smith confirmed her name was on the list and expressed alarm over the increasing threats to public officials. Officials continue to examine Boelter’s writings but say they do not yet amount to a full manifesto.
Background Suggests Radical Beliefs and Planned Action
Boelter’s background includes work in food retail, funeral services, and overseas ministry. He operated a private security firm with his wife and preached controversial sermons in Africa. He expressed strong anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ views in public recordings. Despite once being appointed to a state workforce board by a Democratic administration, he held hardline beliefs and was reportedly facing financial and personal distress. A friend said Boelter left rent money and sent farewell messages before the attacks.
Supporters Mourn; Officials Condemn Extremism
Governor Tim Walz called the shootings a “politically motivated assassination” and urged citizens to reject violence and hateful rhetoric.
The attack, which has shocked Minnesotans and the nation, comes amid rising political violence since the emergence of President Donald Trump, who has made repeated threats of violence against his political enemies and praised his supporters who, for instance, attacked officers while storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He later pardoned all of them. ” MN Reformer
Lawmakers and constituents have gathered to honor Hortman’s memory and legacy. Critics warn that rising extremism, fueled by political division and online radicalization, poses a growing threat to democracy.
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Vance Boelter, accused of assassination of DFL House leader Melissa Hortman, apprehended
What We Know About the Minnesota Shooting Suspect
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