Vance Boelter, the 57-year-old man suspected of killing Minnesota state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shooting State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, was taken into custody following a massive manhunt. Federal prosecutors revealed that Boelter had intended to target at least two other state lawmakers, visiting their homes on the night of the shootings in a planned attempt to carry out further attacks.
Boelter was arrested near his farm in Green Isle, Minnesota, about 43 hours after the initial shootings. Authorities described the manhunt as the largest in the state’s history, involving multiple tactical teams, helicopters, and officers on foot. During the attack, Boelter impersonated a police officer, using a vehicle equipped with emergency lights and wearing a police uniform to gain access to his victims’ homes.
State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were fatally shot at their residence in Brooklyn Park, while Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were wounded in a separate attack in Champlin. Both Hoffman and his wife are recovering after undergoing surgery. Investigators found a list in Boelter’s vehicle naming dozens of Minnesota Democrats, including prominent figures such as Governor Tim Walz and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, suggesting a politically motivated motive behind the shootings.
Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Boelter’s plans and motives, while the community mourns the loss and calls for increased security measures to protect public officials.
