A dramatic two-day manhunt ended on Sunday with the arrest of 57-year-old Vance Boelter, who is accused of assassinating Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in a politically charged attack that has shocked the state and the nation.
Governor Tim Walz described the double homicide as a “politically motivated assassination,” adding that Boelter also allegedly shot and wounded State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their nearby home in what authorities are calling a targeted attack against Democratic lawmakers.
“After two sleepless nights, law enforcement have apprehended Vance Boelter,” Walz announced during a press briefing. “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota. This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences.”
Authorities say Boelter posed as a police officer, using a vehicle that resembled a law enforcement SUV with flashing lights to approach Hortman’s Brooklyn Park home early Saturday. Upon entering, he allegedly gunned down the longtime lawmaker and her husband. Later that day, he is accused of ambushing Hoffman and his wife, who both sustained serious injuries. Senator Hoffman was shot nine times and remains in recovery following multiple surgeries.
Police discovered Boelter’s decoy SUV at the first crime scene. Inside were three AK-47 rifles, a 9-mm handgun, and a target list containing names and addresses of other political figures and institutions. According to a criminal complaint unsealed Sunday, Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder — charges that carry potential sentences of up to 40 years each.
Boelter’s background includes affiliations with evangelical ministries and self-proclaimed experience as a security operative in the Gaza Strip and Africa, based on online records reviewed by Reuters.
Authorities say the suspect fled on foot after the first shooting. Residents were warned to stay indoors as hundreds of officers launched what has become the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history. More than 20 SWAT teams, supported by surveillance aircraft, tracked Boelter to his home in Green Isle. Though armed, he surrendered peacefully.
“The suspect crawled to law enforcement teams and was placed under arrest without any use of force,” said Lt-Col Jeremy Geiger of the Minnesota State Patrol.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley credited the swift collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies for the arrest and stressed that the investigation is now turning to Boelter’s motive. “Now begins the hard work of looking at what the motive is,” Bruley said.
This attack is the latest in a string of violent incidents targeting U.S. political figures, including the 2022 assault on Paul Pelosi, the 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and the recent arson attack at Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence.
As Minnesota reels from the tragedy, Governor Walz called for national reflection and unity. “Now is the time for us to recommit to the core values of this country,” he said. “Each and every one of us can do it.”
