Suspect In Targeted Shootings Of Minnesota Lawmakers Apprehended After Statewide Manhunt

Suspect In Targeted Shootings Of Minnesota Lawmakers Apprehended After Statewide Manhunt

June 16, 2025 – Authorities have confirmed the arrest of 57‑year‑old Vance Luther Boelter late Sunday in rural Sibley County, ending what officials described as the largest manhunt in Minnesota history.

Boelter is facing two counts of second‑degree murder for the fatal shooting of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman (DFL), 55, and her husband Mark Hortman, inside their Brooklyn Park home early Saturday on June 14. He also faces two counts of attempted second‑degree murder after allegedly shooting State Senator John Hoffman (DFL–Champlin) and his wife, Yvette, at their residence in nearby Champlin. Both are recovering from surgery and remain in critical condition. 

The shootings began around 2 a.m. in Champlin, according to law enforcement, before Boelter allegedly moved to Brooklyn Park, where Brooklyn Park police encountered him disguised in police gear and driving a vehicle outfitted with emergency lights. Today’s charging documents reveal three AK‑47 rifles and two handguns were recovered from his vehicle .

Officials report that Boelter surrendered peacefully after being found crawling toward officers in a field near Green Isle.

Governor Tim Walz, calling the events a “politically motivated assassination,” ordered state flags to half‑staff, stating: “This cannot be the norm… Now is the time for us to recommit to the core values of this country”. He also praised law enforcement: “After a two‑day manhunt… justice is one step closer” 

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans confirmed that Boelter’s capture involved coordination among hundreds of officers across federal, state, and local agencies.

A notebook discovered in Boelter’s vehicle listed approximately 70 names, including pro‑abortion advocates and lawmakers—reinforcing suspicions of anti‑abortion ideology as a motive.

Federal prosecutors are expected to pursue additional charges.

Key figures at-a-glance:

Suspect: Vance Luther Boelter, 57; charged with 2 counts murder, 2 counts attempted murder.

Charges pending: State charges filed; federal charges possible.

Motive: Believed politically motivated; anti-abortion and extremist beliefs under investigation

Next steps: Boelter will appear in court for arraignment; investigators continue to analyze materials found in his SUV.

This horrifying act of political violence has left Minnesota reeling. Community leaders, public officials, and everyday citizens now face the challenge of rebuilding trust and ensuring such tragedies—where public servants are attacked for their beliefs—never happen again.

Read more and follow updates at MinneapoliMedia.