Vance Boelter, the individual believed to have shot two Minnesota Democratic state senators and killed one of them along with her spouse, was taken into custody on Sunday, as reported by various law enforcement officials.
Sibley County apprehended Boelter, 57, following a two-day manhunt. He is alleged to have murdered Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, early Saturday morning at their residence in Brooklyn Park, Minneapolis, before reportedly killing State Sen. John Hoffman, a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, in their adjacent home in Champlin during a related incident.
The Sibley County Sheriff’s Office informed Fox News that Boelter “verbally” identified himself to officers searching for him in the area on Sunday evening.
“The face of evil. After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody,” stated the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post. “Thanks to the dedication of multiple agencies working together along with support from the community, justice is one step closer.”
Brooklyn Park Police Department Chief Mark Bruley, addressing a news conference alongside other law enforcement officials after Boelter’s arrest, noted that the search involved over 20 SWAT units. He described it as “the largest manhunt in the state’s history.”
Officers from various agencies participated in the manhunt, which included both foot patrols and helicopter deployments.
“The suspect crawled to law enforcement teams and was placed under arrest at that point in time,” remarked Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger of the Minnesota State Patrol.
Authorities indicated that there was no evidence suggesting Boelter was collaborating with anyone else.
Officials reported that Boelter had signs in his truck that declared “No Kings.”
On Saturday afternoon, cities across the United States held “No Kings” protests to express their opposition to the Trump administration’s ICE raids.
The Hennepin County District Court has initiated a criminal complaint against Boelter, charging him with four felony counts of second-degree murder with intent (not premeditation).
The complaint alleges that Boelter is responsible for two counts of second-degree murder concerning the deaths of Victims 1 and 2 (Melissa and Mark Hortman) and two counts of attempted second-degree murder related to the gunshot injuries of Victims 3 and 4 (John and Yvette Hoffman).
All charges are classified as felonies, carrying a potential sentence of 40 years in prison and a statutory minimum of three years for the use of a firearm.
During a press conference, Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz remarked, “The heroic actions of the Hoffman family and their daughter Hope have saved countless lives. The latest update is that Senator Hoffman has emerged from his final surgery and is progressing towards recovery.”
The lawsuit indicates that Boelter employed a firearm with the intent to kill during assaults on four individuals, two of whom were elected officials.
As per police documents, Champlin Police responded to a 911 call around 2:05 a.m., reporting that a masked assailant had shot two victims at a location. Officers found Victims 3 and 4, who had sustained gunshot wounds but survived.
Surveillance video captured an individual dressed in police-style tactical gear, later identified as Boelter, approaching the property in a Ford SUV equipped with police lights. Officials stated that the footage shows Boelter identifying himself as a police officer before entering the residence and fatally shooting the victims.
Records indicate that Brooklyn Park Police were dispatched to another member’s home as a precaution approximately 90 minutes after it was reported that a legislator was involved in the earlier incident.
Officers arrived at around 3:35 a.m. and witnessed Boelter shooting Victim 2 through the open front door. Upon investigation, they found Victims 1 and 2 deceased from gunshot wounds.
Authorities uncovered a concerning cache of weapons in Boelter’s possession, as per official records. Within his registered vehicle, authorities found three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list containing the names and addresses of various public officials.
Additionally, a ballistic vest, a mask, and a badge resembling those used by police were located in the vicinity.
Officials have stated that the suspect aimed to assault lawmakers in a premeditated attack, appearing at their residences dressed in a police-like uniform and wearing a mask.
