BELLE PLAINE, Minn. — After an extensive two-day pursuit that gripped Minnesota with tension, the man accused of murdering a state lawmaker and wounding another was apprehended in the woods near his residence on Sunday. The suspect, Vance Boelter, was taken into custody and formally charged with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Authorities allege that Boelter disguised himself as a police officer to fatally shoot former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, at their home in the Minneapolis suburbs early Saturday.
Additionally, Boelter is accused of shooting Democratic Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, at their nearby residence. Both lawmakers were affected by the incident that began when police visited Hortman’s home to conduct a welfare check, leading to the discovery of Mark Hortman’s murder and initiating Minnesota’s largest-ever manhunt.
The coordinated search effort culminated when officers discovered a vehicle connected to Boelter abandoned in rural Sibley County, where he was last seen entering the woods. Multiple police units, including 20 tactical teams, formed a wide perimeter to ensure his capture. After hours of methodical searching, supported by helicopters and ground officers, the suspect was found, prompting him to crawl out of hiding to surrender before being securely detained in a nearby field.
Boelter’s arrest and subsequent detainment in the Hennepin County Jail were documented early Monday morning, complete with standard booking procedures. The investigation revealed that the violence might have persisted if not for the timely intervention of authorities, leading the suspect to flee and abandon his potentially deadly path.
The initial attack occurred at the residence of the Hoffmans in Champlin, where their daughter frantically called 911 to report an armed intruder who shot her parents. Following this incident, Brooklyn Park police acted swiftly upon learning about the assault on a lawmaker, rushing to check on the Hortmans.
Officers arrived at the Hortman home just as Boelter allegedly shot Mark Hortman, and a brief exchange of gunfire ensued before the perpetrator escaped. Melissa Hortman was tragically found deceased within the home, according to official reports. Boelter had reportedly furnished a vehicle to mimic a police car as part of his ruse.
The motive for these tragic events remains unclear, though investigations uncovered a list within Boelter’s vehicle containing names of high-profile individuals from both state and national stages, including those supporting abortion rights and other community leaders. The unfolding scenario has left lawmakers and residents both devastated and concerned about escalating political violence and the attacks on public figures.
As recovery efforts are underway, Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were reported to be in critical yet stable conditions, with gratitude expressed for the public’s overwhelming support. The community, still in shock, gathered at the Minnesota State Capitol to honor the victims, leaving heartfelt tributes and enduring memories of the Hortmans’ contributions.
Gov. Tim Walz and other leaders have condemned the violence, emphasizing the need for peaceful discourse amid political differences. The tragic events and impassioned reactions highlight the necessity for unity and resilience in the face of adversity as Minnesotans mourn and seek to reconcile with the tragedy that struck at the heart of their community.