Arrest Made in Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers
A man named Vance Boelter has been arrested in connection with the recent shootings of Minnesota lawmakers Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman. The arrest occurred after a 43-hour manhunt, which ended on Sunday evening.
Authorities say Boelter, 57, allegedly shot both lawmakers and their spouses in their homes early on June 14. He is accused of pretending to be a law enforcement officer during the incidents. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the actions as political violence, stating, "One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota."
During a press conference, police announced Boelter was taken into custody after he was spotted in a nearby area. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, explained that Boelter is facing charges for the murders of Melissa and Mark Hortman, as well as for the shootings of John and Yvette Hoffman. He has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Law enforcement will also consult with the FBI to determine if any federal charges should be filed against Boelter. Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley stated that this was the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history.
Appearing calm, Boelter reportedly crawled to law enforcement before being arrested without any force being used. Although he was armed at the time, no one was injured during the arrest.
The attacks occurred early in the morning, with reports indicating that Boelter sent concerning text messages to his roommate before the shootings. These messages expressed love and remorse, suggesting he knew he was about to commit a crime.
After searching Boelter’s vehicle, police discovered a manifesto listing various lawmakers and other officials. This raised concerns about broader threats to political figures in the area.
Hortman, the former Speaker of the House, and her husband lost their lives in the attack, while Hoffman and his wife survived and are recovering from their injuries. Governor Walz described the event as a politically motivated assassination, stressing the need for unity and better ways to handle political disagreements.
