Authorities in Minnesota have confirmed the arrest of Vance Boelter, the man accused of shooting two prominent state lawmakers and two others severely wounded.
The arrest marks the end of an intensive two-day manhunt that mobilized more than 100 law enforcement officers and gripped the state in fear.
Boelter, 57, was taken into custody late Sunday in a rural field in Sibley County, about 50 miles southwest of Minneapolis, following a region-wide search effort involving 20 SWAT teams. He now faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
The attacks, which unfolded early Saturday, began with the shooting of Democratic Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their Champlin residence.
Both sustained multiple gunshot wounds—John with nine and Yvette with eight—but survived and are now undergoing intensive medical treatment. Their daughter alerted authorities after discovering the scene.
Shortly after, police responding to the initial incident went to the home of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in Brooklyn Park.
Officers arrived just in time to witness Boelter fatally shooting Mark Hortman through an open doorway. A gunfight ensued, but Boelter fled and remained at large until his capture Sunday.
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Melissa Hortman, 55, was remembered as one of Minnesota’s most influential Democratic leaders. She led the House from 2017 until earlier this year and championed several progressive policies, including expanded protections for abortion rights. Her death, along with her husband’s, has devastated the local political community.
The motive for the attacks remains under investigation, though authorities uncovered alarming evidence suggesting premeditated intent. Boelter, who reportedly disguised himself as a police officer and altered his vehicle to resemble a squad car, left behind a notebook in his fake cruiser. The writings listed about 70 names—state and federal lawmakers, community activists, abortion rights advocates, and healthcare professionals.
While the writings were initially described as a “manifesto,” officials now clarify they contained no coherent ideological message. “It was more a notebook of thoughts and names, not a political or ideological treatise,” said Bureau of Criminal Apprehension head Drew Evans.
Boelter is a former political appointee who once served on a workforce board with Senator Hoffman. Around 6 a.m. Saturday, he sent ominous text messages to friends, apologizing for actions he did not specify and suggesting he might die soon.
As investigations continue, public safety officials have issued warnings to other potential targets listed in the writings. Several planned demonstrations, including anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies, were cancelled for safety, though some still took place.
Flowers, notes, and American flags now line the steps of the Minnesota State Capitol, where mourners gathered in memory of the Hortmans. “You were our leader through the hardest of times. Rest in Power,” read one handwritten message.
Al Jazeera
