Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband Fatally Shot; Suspect Arrested After Manhunt
Minnesota Lawmaker and Husband Fatally Shot; Suspect Arrested After Manhunt
On Saturday, state Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot at their home in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also shot and injured at their home earlier that morning. Authorities identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter of Green Isle, Minnesota.
According to a federal affidavit, Boelter had given his wife instructions for a “bailout plan” in case the family needed to flee suddenly. The affidavit described Boelter and his wife as “preppers.” A text message sent by Boelter to his wife and children hours after the attacks instructed them to prepare for war and leave their home, stating that people with guns might arrive.
The shootings were part of a broader plot to assassinate politicians, according to authorities. Boelter possessed a list of additional targets, including dozens of elected officials and some abortion providers. State Senator John Hoffman’s wife, Yvette, stated that her husband was shot nine times but was recovering. She also expressed grief over the Hortmans’ deaths.
Following the shootings at the Hoffman residence, a 911 call was made by an unnamed individual reporting the incident. Police officers performing a welfare check at Representative Hortman’s home discovered her and her husband deceased. An exchange of gunfire occurred between officers and Boelter at the Hortman residence, forcing him to flee the scene. Boelter’s vehicle and hat were later found approximately three miles from his home.
A subsequent manhunt involving approximately 200 law enforcement personnel ensued, lasting over 10 hours. Boelter was ultimately apprehended peacefully on Sunday evening in Sibley County, near his home. He was armed at the time of his arrest. Authorities stated that, based on current evidence, Boelter acted alone, though the investigation continues to explore the possibility of assistance after the attacks.
Investigators found a notebook containing a list of potential targets, including Representative Hortman and Senator Hoffman, along with other elected officials and individuals known for their support of abortion rights. However, authorities have not yet discovered evidence of prior threats made by Boelter towards individuals on the list.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley described the shootings as an attack on democracy and noted his personal connection to Representative Hortman. He stated that the manhunt was the largest in the state’s history and that the suspect’s apprehension was a result of significantly limiting his potential escape routes.
Boelter’s wife and other family members were questioned by authorities but were released after cooperating with the investigation. Items of evidence relevant to the investigation were recovered from Boelter’s vehicle. Boelter is facing felony murder charges and other charges. Governor Tim Walz expressed his grief and described the attacks as a grievous wound to Minnesota.
The investigation is ongoing. Boelter has a hearing scheduled in federal court.
Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.