On June 15, 2025, Vance Luther Boelter, the 57-year-old suspect accused of the politically motivated shootings of two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses in Minnesota, was apprehended following a nearly two-day manhunt, according to ABC News. The arrest, confirmed by multiple sources, ended a tense search that gripped the state after the brutal attacks on Saturday, June 14. Boelter is accused of fatally shooting Minnesota House Democratic leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in separate incidents in the Minneapolis suburbs. The capture, which took place in a rural field near Boelter’s home in Sibley County, has been met with widespread relief, with Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth stating on X, “I’m grateful that this nightmare has come to an end.”
Authorities identified Boelter early in the investigation, noting he allegedly impersonated a police officer, wearing a latex mask and tactical gear to gain access to the victims’ homes. A notebook found in his vehicle contained a list of approximately 70 potential targets, including prominent Democratic lawmakers like Governor Tim Walz, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Representative Ilhan Omar, as well as abortion providers and pro-choice activists. The discovery of this “manifesto” fueled assertions by officials, including Governor Walz, that the attacks were politically motivated, targeting Democrats and those associated with progressive causes. Boelter’s friend and roommate, David Carlson, told media outlets that Boelter was a staunch Trump supporter with strong anti-abortion views, though his exact motives remain under investigation.
The manhunt was extensive, involving federal, state, and local law enforcement, with the FBI offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. His vehicle and a cowboy hat believed to be his were found in Sibley County, prompting an emergency alert for residents to secure their properties. Boelter was apprehended without incident, crawling to law enforcement in a rural area near Green Isle, as reported by the Minnesota State Patrol. Court documents unsealed Sunday night reveal he faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder.
The shootings have sparked intense debate, with some X posts falsely claiming Boelter was a Democratic appointee of Governor Walz, a narrative debunked by reports clarifying his limited role on a 2019 advisory board with no regular gubernatorial interaction. Minnesota officials, including Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, expressed gratitude for law enforcement’s efforts, emphasizing the need for unity. Governor Walz ordered flags at state buildings lowered to honor Hortman. As Boelter awaits prosecution, the state grapples with the aftermath of this violent act, which has raised concerns about political violence and the safety of public figures in a deeply divided climate.
