Vance Boelter, the man suspected of killing Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, was apprehended Sunday night in rural Sibley County, Minnesota, where his family lived.
According to media reports, although police conducted a thorough search utilizing every resource they had, ultimately a drone operator located Boelter.
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey said in a statement, “Our police operated with skill and bravery, all while simultaneously working to keep other elected officials and members of our community safe.”
Despite evidence of meticulous planning beforehand, at this time Boelter has only been charged with second-degree murder.
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Rep. Lisa Demuth, Minnesota Speaker of the House, said in a statement: “I’m grateful that this nightmare has come to an end with the suspect captured so he can be charged, prosecuted, & punished for the horror he has wrought on MN. Thank you to the local, state, & federal officials who ensured this evil man faces justice.”
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune outlined the timeline of the manhunt up to now:
Authorities identified the suspect as 57-year-old Vance Boelter. A manhunt is underway to locate him.
Officials said the suspect left at the scene a list of politicians. A person who has seen the list said it included several abortion rights supporters, including lawmakers. Sen. Amy Klobuchar appeared on the list, according to federal law enforcement sources. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison also said he was on the list.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Vance Boelter was arrested Sunday night and charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder.
- Hortman, the top Democrat in the Minnesota House, was shot and killed along with her husband.
- Authorities identified the suspect as Vance Boelter.
- Abandoned vehicle belonging to Boelter was found in Sibley County
- Sen. John Hoffman and his wife are awake and will issue a statement when able.
- There is an active “extensive manhunt” underway for the shooter. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said the gunman is believed to be in the Midwest.
- Boelter’s wife was stopped by law enforcement Saturday.
- Authorities say a suspect impersonated law enforcement and that a “manifesto” was recovered with lawmaker names. The list of targets purported to be written by Boelter had names of 50 to 70 individuals and businesses, including Planned Parenthood locations.
A press conference is about to be held in Blaine, Minnesota; we’ll bring you any further information provided.
