MINNEAPOLIS, June 15 – A two-day manhunt came to a dramatic end on Sunday as law enforcement officials apprehended 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter, who stands accused of murdering a prominent Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband. The shocking incident, described by Governor Tim Walz as a “politically motivated assassination,” has sent ripples through the state and across the nation.
Boelter is accused of killing Melissa Hortman, the Majority Leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives, along with her husband, Mark Hortman, in their Brooklyn Park home on Saturday. The attack was carried out while Boelter was impersonating a law enforcement officer, wearing what appeared to be a police uniform and driving a vehicle outfitted with police-style emergency lights.
Authorities also linked Boelter to a second attack on the same day, where State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were shot at their residence just a few miles away. Senator Hoffman was struck by nine bullets but, according to Governor Walz, has now completed his final surgery and is in stable condition, moving toward recovery.
“This is not how we resolve our political disagreements,” Governor Walz said in an emotional press conference following the arrest. “We cannot allow violence to become the standard reaction to differences in belief. These acts have shaken our community, and it’s time we return to our foundational American values—dialogue, respect, and peace.”
Boelter’s background paints a complex picture. Public records and online activity suggest he had associations with evangelical ministries and claimed to have worked as a security expert in conflict zones such as the Gaza Strip and parts of Africa. However, questions remain about the authenticity of his claimed background as authorities continue to investigate his history in greater detail.
Upon searching Boelter’s SUV, investigators discovered three AK-47-style assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list of names and addresses of other public officials. Law enforcement authorities believe this indicates a premeditated plan targeting elected figures, though no additional attacks were carried out. The weapons cache and hit list have raised concerns about the broader implications of the crime and whether others may have been at risk.
Boelter was formally charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. According to Minnesota law, each of these charges carries a potential sentence of up to 40 years in prison. The charges were filed and unsealed on Sunday, providing further details into Boelter’s alleged actions and the scale of the threat he posed.
According to Hennepin County officials, the suspect initially fled on foot after confronting officers at the scene of the first attack on Saturday morning. This led to nearby neighborhoods being swiftly placed under lockdown and initiated what turned into the largest manhunt ever conducted in Minnesota. Hundreds of officers from multiple jurisdictions—including local police, the Minnesota State Patrol, and federal agencies—were mobilized to track him down.
The search reached a turning point when authorities received a credible tip placing Boelter near his home in Green Isle. More than 20 SWAT teams surrounded the area while surveillance aircraft patrolled the skies. Though Boelter was reportedly armed at the time, he surrendered peacefully without law enforcement having to use force.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeremy Geiger of the Minnesota State Patrol recounted the arrest, saying, “The suspect crawled toward our teams and was taken into custody without incident. It was a relief to bring this manhunt to a close without any further bloodshed.”
Chief Mark Bruley of the Brooklyn Park Police Department praised the coordinated effort of all agencies involved and emphasized that the arrest is only the beginning. “Now begins the hard work of uncovering the full motive behind this violent act. Many questions remain, and it’s our responsibility to uncover the truth for both the victims and the community.”
The incident has drawn comparisons to previous acts of political violence in the United States, highlighting a disturbing trend of attacks against public officials. From physical assaults to property destruction and even assassination attempts, tensions in the political sphere have increasingly spilled into real-world violence.
Community members and lawmakers across Minnesota have expressed their condolences and shared their outrage at the tragedy. Vigils are already being organized to honor the lives of Melissa and Mark Hortman, who were known for their dedication to public service and strong presence in the community.
As the state mourns, leaders from both political parties have echoed a call for unity and nonviolence. The arrest of Vance Luther Boelter brings an end to a terrifying chapter, but the investigation will continue in the coming weeks as authorities work to determine how such a calculated and devastating crime could unfold within the heart of Minnesota’s political leadership.