BELLE PLAINE, Minn. — A man suspected of fatally shooting a former Minnesota lawmaker and injuring another has been arrested following a nearly two-day manhunt. The incident has heightened anxiety across the state, prompting an extensive search effort that concluded Sunday when officers located him in the woods near his home.
Vance Boelter, 34, faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. He allegedly posed as a police officer to execute the shooting of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their suburban Minneapolis residence early Saturday morning. According to authorities, Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot at a different location about nine miles away.
Democratic Gov. Tim Walz described the tragic incident as a deeply impactful act that has shaken Minnesota’s community. Police Chief Mark Bruley characterized the search for Boelter as unprecedented in scale, indicating it was the largest manhunt in state history. The search began after officers found Mark Hortman fatally shot at his home, prompting patrols to respond to the Hortman residence.
On Sunday, authorities discovered Boelter’s abandoned vehicle in rural Sibley County. Officers later received reports of a possible sighting, leading to an organized manhunt involving up to 20 tactical teams. After hours of searching with the aid of helicopters and ground units, Boelter surrendered, crawling out of the woods to the officers.
Boelter was booked into the Hennepin County Jail, where his mug shots were taken. Investigators believe the violence may have escalated further had law enforcement not intervened at the Hortman home. The Hoffmans were reportedly attacked first after a distress call from their adult daughter, who witnessed the shooting.
Authorities revealed that Boelter had altered a vehicle to resemble a police car, although the motive behind his actions remains unclear. Writings found in the abandoned vehicle included a list of names, which reportedly featured several prominent lawmakers and advocates for abortion rights.
While Boelter is known to have previously served on a state workforce development board alongside Sen. Hoffman, details regarding their relationship remain uncertain. In a concerning message sent to friends before his arrest, he expressed regret without specifying his actions, indicating he had intended to remove himself from the situation altogether.
The violent events add to a troubling trend of political violence impacting lawmakers across the country. As communities grapple with growing tensions, local leaders emphasize the need for discourse that respects differing opinions. Gov. Walz urged against normalizing violence as a method of confronting political differences.
In response to the attacks, an outpouring of support emerged for the victims. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar shared updates from Yvette Hoffman, who described her husband’s struggles after surviving multiple gunshot wounds. Floral tributes and messages honoring the Hortmans appeared at the Minnesota State Capitol, with many recognizing their contributions and dedicated service.
As investigations continue, the implications of this incident will likely resonate well beyond Minnesota, reflecting the urgent need to address the escalating violence threatening public officials.