BREAKING OVERNIGHT: After a massive overnight manhunt involving hundreds of officers, authorities finally captured the man wanted for the politically motivated shooting of Minnesota lawmakers.
Specifically, 57-year-old security contractor Vance Boelter surrendered near his Green Isle property.
Boelter faces second-degree murder charges in what Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described as a “politically motivated assassination.”
The suspect impersonated law enforcement to gain access to his victims before opening fire, first at State Senator John Hoffman’s home in Champlin, where both the senator and his wife were injured.
He then attacked State Representative Melissa Hortman at the Brooklyn Park residence. She was killed along with her husband.
Law enforcement officials discovered a disturbing notebook containing a hit list of politicians and abortion rights supporters in Boelter’s abandoned SUV.
The list included targets from multiple states, though authorities noted Boelter had no previous documented threats against any of the victims or others named in his list.
Boelter operated as a security contractor and religious missionary with past work in Africa and the Middle East, and was previously connected to Praetorian Guard Security Services.
Even more concerning, he had once served on the same state workforce development board as victim John Hoffman.
The arrest ended in an intense search involving federal, state, and local law enforcement after Boelter’s vehicle was discovered abandoned about 50 miles from the crime scenes.
The FBI had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger reported that “the suspect crawled to law enforcement teams and was placed under arrest,” surrendering without further incident after being spotted on a trail via surveillance camera.
The loss of Hortman, who served in the Minnesota House for 20 years, including as Speaker from 2019 to 2025, has deeply affected the state’s political landscape.
Governor Walz emphasized the tragedy extends beyond partisan politics: “Melissa Hortman was the core of who our values were. It’s not about hatred. It’s not about mean tweets. It’s not about demeaning someone.”
“It’s leading with grace and compassion and vision and compromise and decency. That was taken from us,” he added.
Senator Hoffman remains hospitalized after multiple surgeries but is reportedly recovering. His wife was also wounded in the attack.
Boelter wore a latex mask during the assaults, further indicating the premeditated nature of his crimes.
While Boelter’s wife was initially detained, she was released after cooperating with investigators.
Boelter has been booked into Hennepin County Jail and faces charges including second-degree murder and fleeing to avoid prosecution, with additional federal charges likely forthcoming.
This attack against elected officials highlights growing concerns about political violence in America.
As investigations continue, many are calling for a return to civil discourse while ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts face swift justice under the law.
