The suspect accused of killing Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounding Sen. John Hoffman and his wife in what officials are calling a politically driven ambush is in police custody.
Cops arrested Vance Boelter late Sunday (June 15) in Sibley County after a sweeping two-day manhunt, AP News reports.
Authorities say Boelter, 57, posed as a police officer in full gear and a disguise before carrying out the early morning shootings Saturday (June 14) at the lawmakers’ homes in Brooklyn Park and Champlin.
The FBI had circulated a photo of Boelter in a fake law enforcement uniform and offered a reward for tips as more than 100 officers joined what became the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.
Boelter was found near his home west of Minneapolis and surrendered without a struggle.
The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office posted a photo of the arrest with the caption, “The face of evil. After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody. Thanks to the dedication of multiple agencies working together along with support from the community, justice is one step closer.”
The attack left Rep. Hortman and her husband, Mark, dead. Sen. Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot multiple times but survived and are recovering after surgery.
Governor Tim Walz Speak Following Arrest
Governor Tim Walz condemned the violence, calling it a “politically motivated assassination.”
At a press conference Sunday, he said, “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota.” He added, “This cannot be the norm. It cannot be the way that we deal with our political differences.”
Investigators recovered protest flyers labeled “No Kings” and handwritten notes listing lawmakers’ names inside Boelter’s vehicle, suggesting he may have had additional targets.
Boelter has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
The shootings have reignited concerns over political extremism and violence, prompting renewed calls for unity and safety among public officials.