A man has been arrested in Minnesota after a tragic shooting that left a state lawmaker and her husband dead. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, is accused of killing Democratic Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. The horrifying events unfolded over the weekend, leading to a two-day manhunt that ended in a wooded area west of Minneapolis.
Boelter, 57, was taken into custody after he crawled toward police officers, surrendering without further incident. He is also charged with shooting and injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Both are recovering in the hospital after being struck by a barrage of bullets.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the attack as a "politically motivated assassination." He expressed his sorrow over the violence, stating that it has deeply affected the state. The shootings occurred early Saturday morning, first targeting the Hoffmans at their home before Boelter moved on to the Hortmans’ residence, where the murders took place.
The police launched a massive manhunt, which was reportedly the largest in Minnesota’s history, deploying air and SWAT teams to locate Boelter. Following his arrest, officials confirmed that no police officers were injured during the operation. Earlier, Boelter’s wife had been detained during a traffic stop but was released after cooperating with investigators.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not disclosed a clear motive for Boelter’s actions. However, there are indications that he had a list of potential targets, which included prominent political figures. This list raised alarms, prompting officials to notify authorities in neighboring states about the individuals mentioned.
Hortman, who had served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for two decades, was remembered as a dedicated public servant. Her death, along with her husband’s, has left a profound impact on the community. Residents expressed their shock and sadness, recalling the couple as kind and involved neighbors.
Boelter faces multiple charges, including two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. He is scheduled to appear in court soon. As this story develops, many are left reflecting on the implications of political violence and its place in society.