Minnesota Man Arrested for Allegedly Killing Lawmaker and Her Husband, Wounding Another Lawmaker

Minnesota (BuzzReport) – Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was taken into custody Sunday evening in connection with the fatal shootings of Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, as well as the wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette.

According to authorities, Boelter posed as a police officer, wearing a mask and altering a vehicle to resemble a police car, to gain access to the lawmakers’ homes. The attacks occurred early Saturday morning, with the Hoffmans being shot at their home in Champlin, and the Hortmans being killed at their Brooklyn Park residence.

Details of the Attack

• The shootings began around 2 a.m. on Saturday at the Hoffmans’ home, where Senator Hoffman was hit with nine bullets and is currently recovering.
• After police in nearby Brooklyn Park learned of the shooting, they sent patrol officers to check on the Hortmans’ home, where Boelter shot Mark Hortman through the open door before fleeing the scene.
• A criminal complaint unsealed Sunday night charges Boelter with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Investigation and Arrest

• Authorities found a car believed to be Boelter’s, along with a cowboy hat and other evidence, in a rural area southwest of Minneapolis.
• Over 100 law enforcement officers, including SWAT teams, searched the area before Boelter’s arrest in Sibley County.
• Boelter’s wife and family members were interviewed by authorities and were cooperative, but it’s unclear if they will face any charges.

Motive and Target List

• A list of about 70 names, including prominent lawmakers, community leaders, and abortion rights advocates, was found in the fake police vehicle.
• Authorities believe the attacks were politically motivated, but the motive is still under investigation.
• Governor Tim Walz condemned the shootings as “targeted political assassination”.¹ ² ³