Vance Boelter, the 57-year-old suspect in the politically charged attacks on two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses, was captured Sunday evening after a massive two-day manhunt that law enforcement officials described as the largest in state history.
The attacks began early Saturday morning. Former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home. Minutes later, State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were both shot multiple times in a related assault at their home in Champlin.
While the Hortmans were killed, the Hoffmans survived the attack and are currently recovering, with Senator Hoffman recently completing surgery.
Boelter’s vehicle contained a disturbing array of evidence, including anti-Trump “No Kings” protest flyers and a manifesto naming numerous public officials. The presence of these materials led Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to label the shooting of Rep. Hortman and her husband a “politically motivated assassination.”
Boelter, who impersonated a police officer to carry out the attacks, previously held political appointments. He was named to the state’s Workforce Development Council by two Democratic governors, Tim Walz in 2019 and Mark Dayton in 2016. Though the council is officially nonpartisan, Boelter’s ties to political circles and possession of inflammatory protest literature have intensified scrutiny over the broader political environment in the state.
Law enforcement mobilized more than 20 SWAT teams across multiple jurisdictions. Helicopters and ground units combed the area, eventually locating Boelter in rural Sibley County. According to officials, the suspect verbally identified himself before surrendering. “The suspect crawled to law enforcement teams and was placed under arrest,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger of the Minnesota State Patrol.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley praised the collaborative efforts, emphasizing the scale of the operation. “This was the face of evil,” added the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in a public statement.
Boelter has been formally charged with four felony counts of second-degree murder and attempted murder. Each count carries a potential 40-year prison sentence, with a minimum of three years due to firearm use. Authorities confirmed Boelter acted alone and are still examining a manifesto recovered from his vehicle to determine a precise motive.
Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension described the case as “active and fluid,” noting overlap between Boelter and Senator Hoffman in past public meetings. However, the nature of their relationship remains unclear.