Vance Boelter, the suspect in the politically motivated shootings that killed two people and injured two others, is in custody following a massive manhunt that spanned more than 36 hours and involved multiple law enforcement agencies.
Boelter, 57, was apprehended Sunday near his home in Green Isle, Sibley County. Authorities believe he carried out early Saturday morning shootings that killed Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark in their Brooklyn Park home and wounded state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette in Champlin. Hoffman has undergone surgery and is recovering; his wife is also healing, according to officials.
Boelter is charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. Investigators said he impersonated a police officer during the attacks and arrived at Hortman’s residence in a vehicle resembling a police SUV. Officers responded around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, encountered gunfire from Boelter, who fled the scene.
The search prompted shelter-in-place orders across the northwest Twin Cities metro area and has been described by authorities as the largest manhunt in Minnesota history. Boelter ultimately surrendered peacefully, crawling toward officers during his capture.
Officials have labeled the killings as politically motivated. Hortman, a prominent Democrat and former House Speaker, was remembered for her leadership and dedication to public service. She and her husband leave behind two children.
Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as a “political assassination” and ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of the victims. State and federal officials praised the collaborative work of law enforcement agencies for bringing Boelter into custody.
Source: CBS News