Authorities have captured 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, the man accused of fatally shooting former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife in a pair of early-morning attacks over the weekend.
Boelter was arrested Sunday evening in a field near his rural Green Isle property following a two-day manhunt. He was found with a bulletproof vest, police-style gear, and a detailed target list reportedly naming more than 70 political figures and public officials.
Suspected Minnesota lawmaker assassin Vance Boelter “crawled” to law enforcement when he was captured, officials said. pic.twitter.com/5L7G7vEd6A
— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 16, 2025
According to KSTP, Boelter is now facing two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Investigators say additional charges could follow once a grand jury convenes.
The shootings began early Saturday morning, as previously reported by The Dallas Express, when Boelter allegedly impersonated a police officer to gain access to the homes of his victims. Around 2 a.m., Senator Hoffman and his wife were shot inside their Champlin home. Both survived and remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Roughly 90 minutes later, police were called to the Brooklyn Park home of Melissa and Mark Hortman, where both were found fatally shot.
Law enforcement recovered Boelter’s abandoned vehicle, a cowboy hat, a Halloween-style mask, and a manifesto near his residence in Sibley County.
These items, along with numerous tips from local residents, helped authorities narrow their search area. He was ultimately located and taken into custody without incident.
Officials say the attacks appear politically motivated. Boelter’s writings, recovered materials, and past social media activity suggest he held strong ideological views and may have been targeting elected officials based on their positions on abortion and other issues.
At a press briefing, investigators described the crime as “deliberate” and “calculated.” Minnesota Governor Tim Walz previously called the shootings a “politically motivated assassination.”
Boelter is being held without bond. A grand jury is expected to determine whether the charges will be upgraded to first-degree murder, which would require prosecutors to prove premeditation.
The investigation remains ongoing.