Man Apprehended in Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting Spree
A suspect is in custody following a series of shootings that targeted Minnesota lawmakers, leaving one dead and another seriously injured. Authorities apprehended Vance Boelter on Sunday evening, ending a widespread search following the attacks on the officials in their homes.
Arrest and Investigation Details
Law enforcement officials confirmed the arrest of Vance Boelter Sunday evening, but haven’t released the exact location. The suspect is believed to have been involved in the death of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and the wounding of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. They were attacked at their homes.
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“John is enduring many surgeries right now and is closer every hour to being out of the woods. He took 9 bullet hits. I took 8 and we are both incredibly lucky to be alive. We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. We have no words. There is never a place for this kind of political hate.”
—Yvette Hoffman
A recent report indicates a surge in threats against U.S. lawmakers, with a 107% increase in credible threats reported to the U.S. Capitol Police in 2023 (Source: Congressional Research Service).
The Search and the Evidence
Authorities tracked a vehicle they believed Boelter was using to rural Sibley County, roughly fifty miles southwest of Minneapolis. Emergency alerts urged locals to secure their homes. A cowboy hat was recovered near the vehicle, which investigators think belonged to the suspect. A list of names, including lawmakers and community leaders, was found in the vehicle.
Motive and Aftermath
Investigators are still working to determine a motive. Boelter, a former political appointee, had ties to one of the victims. Before the shootings, he texted friends, sharing his apologies and hinting at imminent death. Authorities found an AK-style firearm at the scene and believe he still possessed a pistol.
The attacks have sparked concern and mourning, with memorials created at the Minnesota State Capitol. Gov. Tim Walz remembered Hortman as “the most consequential Speaker in state history.” Hortman spearheaded expanded abortion rights protections during her time as speaker.
