Vance Boelter, the alleged shooter in the recent politically motivated attacks against Minnesota legislators, is now in custody after a lengthy manhunt.
Interestingly, Boelter was appointed to a state advisory board by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who was the unsuccessful Democratic vice presidential nominee.
It’s believed that he is responsible for the murders of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were shot at their home on Saturday.
Additionally, police have accused Boelter of shooting state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, injuring them in what Walz has labeled “an act of targeted political violence.”
Reflecting on the traumatic experience, both John and Yvette Hoffman expressed that they felt “incredibly lucky to be alive.”
The 57-year-old suspect was apprehended on Sunday night in the woods near his home in Green Isle, Minnesota.
“The face of evil. After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody,” stated the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, sharing a photo of Boelter with their message on Facebook. “Thanks to the dedication of multiple agencies working together along with support from the community, justice is one step closer.”
Authorities reported that Boelter had dressed as a police officer early Saturday morning, approaching the homes of Minnesota lawmakers to attempt fatal shootings. The extensive manhunt spanned over 36 hours.
In a deceptive move, he had also modified his Ford SUV with police-style flashing lights, likely to mislead his intended victims.
“Boelter exploited the trust our uniforms are meant to represent,” remarked Bob Jacobson, commissioner of Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety. “That betrayal deeply disturbs those of us who wear the badge with honor and responsibility,” he added.
Officers were initially dispatched to Hortman’s residence after they confirmed a shooter was deliberately targeting state lawmakers at Hoffman’s home.
When police arrived around 3:30 a.m., they witnessed Boelter fatally shooting Melissa and Mark Hortman. After this, he exchanged gunfire with police before fleeing on foot.
Authorities later discovered “three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, a list of addresses of public officials, and “No Kings” papers” linked to anti-ICE and anti-Trump protests in his vehicle.
Boelter now faces two counts of second-degree murder for allegedly killing Melissa and Mark Hortman, along with two counts of attempted second-degree murder in the shooting of Senator John Hoffman and his wife.
Brooklyn Park’s Police Chief Mark Bruley mentioned that 20 SWAT teams participated in what was dubbed the “largest manhunt in the state’s history.”
Furthermore, Senator Amy Klobuchar shared a message from Yvette Hoffman on Sunday, detailing that Senator Hoffman had been shot nine times and Yvette eight times.
“John is undergoing many surgeries right now and is getting 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 devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark. We have no words. This kind of political hate has no place,” shared Yvette Hoffman.
