Vance Boelter, 57, has been arrested in connection with a series of politically motivated shootings that left Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark dead and state Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette critically injured. The shootings, which occurred early Saturday morning at separate locations in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, sent shockwaves through the state’s political establishment.
Authorities confirmed that Boelter was captured Sunday evening near his home in Green Isle, Sibley County. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office posted an image showing Boelter in custody, captioned “The face of evil.” According to officials, the manhunt lasted over 36 hours, making it the most extensive in Minnesota history. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Burley praised the “relentless and determined” efforts of law enforcement teams across multiple jurisdictions.
Details of the Attack and Law Enforcement Response
Officials reported that the first shooting occurred at around 3:30 a.m. Saturday at the Brooklyn Park residence of Rep. Melissa Hortman. Police found a vehicle resembling a law enforcement SUV parked outside the home, equipped with emergency lights. Boelter reportedly exited the home and exchanged gunfire with responding officers before fleeing the scene.
Later, in a separate attack, Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were shot in their Champlin home. Both underwent emergency surgery and are currently in recovery. Authorities imposed shelter-in-place orders in the northwest metro area during the search for Boelter, which concluded late Sunday. Minnesota Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson expressed deep concern over Boelter’s impersonation of law enforcement, stating, “Boelter exploited the trust our uniforms are meant to represent. That betrayal is deeply disturbing.”
Charges and Ongoing Investigation of Boelter
Court records show that Boelter has been formally charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is leading the ongoing investigation. Superintendent Drew Evans emphasized that while Boelter’s arrest is a critical step, the search for evidence and accountability continues.
“The first step in a case like this is that we take him into custody,” Evans said at a Sunday press conference. “And then the work will continue to ensure that he is held accountable for his crimes.” Authorities are currently analyzing forensic evidence, digital communications, and motive indicators to prepare for prosecution.
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Assassination in Minnesota: Did Political Hate Fuel a Domestic Terror Attack?”
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the state in an emotional press conference on Sunday night, labeling the killing of Rep. Hortman a “political assassination.” He pledged the full resources of the state to ensure justice is served and ordered flags across Minnesota to fly at half-staff in honor of the victims.
“That’s 48 hours that law enforcement [was] involved in a complex and dangerous manhunt, spent Father’s Day away from their families to deliver justice for Melissa and Mark Hortman, and their children, who spent this Father’s Day alone,” Walz said. He also thanked the community for its support and credited the “tireless work” of local, state, and federal agencies.
U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called the law enforcement effort to find Boelter “mammoth and heroic.” Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth said she was “grateful that this nightmare has come to an end” and demanded that Boelter be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Legacy of Rep. Melissa Hortman and Community Mourning
Melissa Hortman, who served as Speaker Emerita of the Minnesota House of Representatives, was widely respected across political lines for her legislative leadership and advocacy. She leaves behind two children and a legacy of public service marked by decades of dedication to Minnesota families and progressive policy-making.
The community in Brooklyn Park and across the state is in mourning. Vigils are being organized, and public officials are calling for unity and vigilance in the face of what many are calling a targeted political attack. Senator John Hoffman, though recovering, issued a brief statement through his office thanking Minnesotans for their prayers and support.
As investigations continue and the legal process unfolds, Minnesota remains united in grief — and determined to seek justice for a family shattered, lives endangered, and a democracy attacked from within.
