We begin with a tragic and deeply unsettling story out of Minnesota. A manhunt that gripped the entire state for nearly two days has ended in arrest. The suspect behind a deadly shooting spree that targeted state lawmakers has been captured after surrendering to police in a wooded area near his home.
Vance Boelter, now in custody, is facing multiple charges—including two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder—following the fatal shooting of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in separate but coordinated attacks early Saturday morning.
Authorities say Boelter posed as a police officer, even modifying a vehicle to appear like a law enforcement cruiser. He first attacked the Hoffmans at their residence in Champlin, where both were critically wounded. Their daughter placed the desperate 911 call just after 2 a.m.
Shortly afterward, officers responding to concerns about the Hortmans’ safety arrived at their Brooklyn Park home just in time to witness Boelter fatally shoot Mark Hortman through an open door. An exchange of gunfire ensued before Boelter fled. Melissa Hortman was found dead inside the home.
Following the violent incidents, law enforcement launched what authorities described as the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history, deploying more than 20 tactical teams, helicopters, and search units after locating Boelter’s abandoned vehicle in rural Sibley County. After hours of scouring the forest, Boelter reportedly crawled out of the woods to surrender, and was taken into custody without further resistance.
At a press briefing, Governor Tim Walz said, “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota.” Investigators believe the attacks were premeditated. A criminal complaint revealed that a list of approximately 70 names was discovered in Boelter’s altered vehicle, including elected officials, community activists, and abortion rights advocates. Authorities say the list also contained details about healthcare facilities, though a motive has yet to be confirmed.
Boelter, a former political appointee, previously served on the same workforce development board as Senator Hoffman. It remains unclear whether the two had any direct relationship. Authorities also disclosed that Boelter sent farewell texts to friends around 6 a.m. Saturday, writing, “I’m going to be gone for a while. May be dead shortly … I wish it hadn’t gone this way.”
In the aftermath, Minnesota’s political community is in mourning. A memorial has formed on the steps of the State Capitol, where mourners have left flowers, notes, and American flags in honor of Melissa and Mark Hortman. One note read, “You were our leader through the hardest of times. Rest in Power.”
Yvette Hoffman, who remains hospitalized along with her husband, released a message through Senator Amy Klobuchar, expressing gratitude for the public’s support. “John is enduring many surgeries and is getting stronger every hour. He took 9 bullets. I took 8. We are incredibly lucky to be alive. We are devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark.”
Tonight’s events come at a time of growing concern over political violence in the U.S., with lawmakers nationwide facing rising threats. Governor Walz concluded today’s address with a powerful message: “This cannot be the norm. This cannot be the way we deal with political differences.”
We will continue to monitor this developing story and bring you updates as they become available.
Reporting by Katy Moore.
