Minnesota Politician Shooting Suspect Vance Boelter Captured After Manhunt

Vance Boelter has been arrested following a shooting targeting Minnesota politicians, resulting in one death and multiple injuries.

Key Points

  • • Vance Boelter captured after a two-day manhunt in Minnesota.
  • • Melissa Hortman, the Minnesota House Speaker, was killed; her husband and another senator were injured.
  • • Boelter was allegedly disguised as a police officer during the attack.
  • • A notebook found in Boelter's car indicated potential political motives for the shooting.

Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old man, has been apprehended in Green Isle, Minnesota, following a violent shooting incident targeting two local politicians and their partners. The shocking event unfolded when Boelter disguised himself as a police officer and opened fire on the victims, leading to a two-day manhunt that involved over 100 police officers and SWAT teams.

The attack tragically resulted in the death of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman, who was killed in the incident. Her husband, Mark Hortman, and state senator John Hoffman were both injured, with reports indicating that they suffered multiple gunshot wounds. "We were fortunate to survive," remarked Yvette Hoffman, the senator's wife, emphasis on the harrowing experience they went through.

Law enforcement agencies conducted an extensive search for Boelter, utilizing helicopters, drones, and even a mobile alert to advise locals to stay indoors while they searched the area. The capture was ultimately a peaceful one, occurring after Boelter was spotted on a neighbor's hunting camera. Following his arrest, authorities discovered a notebook in his vehicle that allegedly contained a list of political adversaries, suggesting that the shootings were driven by political motives.

The sheer scale of police presence during the search was unusual for the quiet area, leading resident Neal Kinzer to comment, "We saw 20-30 police cars in five minutes," underlining the gravity of the situation. The investigation continues as details surrounding the motive of the attack are closely examined, with authorities emphasizing the need for vigilance and community safety in the wake of this tragic incident.