A manhunt is underway for a suspect in Minnesota, accused of shooting two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses at different residences. The FBI has put a $50,000 reward on the table for information that could lead to the arrest of 57-year-old Vance L. Boelter. He allegedly shot former Minnesota Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in Brooklyn Park early Saturday. Near Champurin, about nine miles away, Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, also suffered gunshot wounds.
Travis Riddle, an ATF special agent from the St. Paul Field Division, expressed concern during a Sunday appearance on “Fox & Friends,” noting they are actively searching for the suspect in coordination with local and federal partners. Boelter is deemed armed and dangerous, and there’s uncertainty about his potential access to more weapons.
Reports indicate that Boelter’s wife and three relatives were stopped by authorities driving near Onamia on Saturday. A vehicle search led to the discovery of guns, ammunition, cash, and passports. Although his wife was taken in for questioning, Boelter has yet to be apprehended, and it’s unclear if she remained in custody by Sunday morning.
Riddle mentioned that the investigation is still in the early stages, as they explore all leads. He condemned the shootings as acts of political violence, stating that such attacks against the Minnesota Legislature are deeply troubling and unacceptable, posing a threat to democracy.
Drew Evans, a representative from Minnesota’s Office of Criminal Arresting, stated that hundreds of law enforcement officials are on the case. They described Boelter as a white male, about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing around 220 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. He was last seen in the Twin City area wearing a dark long-sleeved shirt or potentially a cowboy hat with a light coat and pants. Authorities suspect he is attempting to flee the area.
If anyone spots Boelter, the public is urged to call 911 and keep their distance. Evans also mentioned that a manifesto was found at the scene, though it’s too early to ascertain the motive for the attack.
Investigators were able to identify Boelter as a suspect using remaining identification left at the scene and through a tracing system for recovered firearms.
Further complicating the investigation, Boelter reportedly owns a security business, and witnesses indicate that he may have dressed as law enforcement during the shootings. Riddle shared that following a gunfire exchange at the second residence, an identification card was recovered, which crucially aided in identifying the suspect.
He explained that law enforcement encountered gunfire when they arrived and hadn’t surrounded the house. This led to the suspects managing to escape undetected while the officers were attending to the victims. Riddle, with a hint of disbelief, noted how luck played a role in their evasion, suggesting that Boelter’s tactical skills didn’t necessarily outweigh the law enforcement response.
As for motives, no clear explanation has been provided thus far. Interestingly, both lawmakers had recently voted across party lines to continue providing free healthcare for undocumented immigrants.
Moreover, authorities disclosed that a flyer of some sort was found in Boelter’s vehicle, adding another layer of intrigue to the case.
President Trump described the shootings as targeted attacks against lawmakers, asserting that the FBI and U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondy would ensure that anyone involved would face severe penalties. He labeled the violence as intolerable and expressed his support for the people of Minnesota.
In a similar vein, Nancy Pelosi expressed her heartbreak over the violent incident directed at Senator Hoffman and Speaker Hortman. Having experienced political violence herself, she emphasized the importance of addressing this alarming trend in society. Her message resonated with the need for collective accountability and justice for such heinous acts.
