Authorities have captured Luther Boerter, a suspected political assassin, following an extensive manhunt. Boerter is accused of fatally shooting Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and injuring another individual.
Boerter, 57, previously appointed by Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is being investigated for the attacks on Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, as well as the fatal shooting of former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her spouse.
He was apprehended on a field in Sibley County on Sunday evening, according to reports, and had spoken to local news outlet FOX 9.
In a rather chilling act, the suspect disguised himself as a police officer, donned with uniforms, vests, and a mask resembling something from Halloween, during an assault in a northern suburb of Minnesota.
The violence erupted at Senator Hoffman’s residence around 2 a.m. on Saturday.
Boerter allegedly fired multiple shots, severely injuring the 60-year-old Senator and his wife. Yvette reportedly threw herself in front of her daughter, aiming to shield her from harm during the ordeal.
Both John and Yvette Hoffman underwent surgery and are currently in stable condition.
After the initial shooting, Boerter, still in disguise, moved to the home of Speaker Hortman in Brooklyn Park, where he unleashed more gunfire, tragically taking the lives of both Hortman and her husband, Mark.
Melissa Hortman, 55, was pronounced dead at her residence, while her husband succumbed to injuries at a nearby hospital.
Police arrived at Hortman’s home after receiving a report of the violence at Hoffman’s place and encountered the masked individual as they left the scene in Brooklyn Park.
One officer discharged a weapon and managed to corner Boerter inside the house, but he managed to escape.
After the horrific events, Boerter reportedly sent a message to his close friends, admitting to the killings. He expressed, “David and Ron, I love you guys. I’ve made a few choices, and you don’t know anything about this, but I’ll be disappearing for a while. Just wanted to let you know I don’t love both of you, and I hope things don’t turn out this way.”
Authorities later detained Boerter’s wife, Jenny, while she was driving with a relative early Saturday morning and questioned her regarding her involvement in the incidents, subsequently discovering a passport and firearm in the vehicle.
