The chilling manhunt for Vance Boelter, the suspect tied to the tragic shootings of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, has ended. Authorities confirmed his capture after a tense, two-day search spanning multiple counties. The FBI had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Rep. Hortman, 55, and her husband Mark, 58, were fatally shot in their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette survived but sustained severe injuries. The community remains shaken as police lift shelter-in-place orders but urge vigilance.
Gov. Tim Walz ordered flags at half-staff statewide, calling the violence «an attack on democracy itself.» Mercy Hospital, where victims were treated, remained on lockdown during the investigation. Tactical teams also searched a property in Green Isle.
For real-time updates, follow our coverage here.
Timeline of the Minnesota Lawmaker’s Shooting and Arres
Gunfire erupted in Champlin just after midnight, triggering a multi-agency response. Over the next 14 hours, authorities untangled a trail of violence targeting two Minnesota lawmakers and their families.
Emergency Audio Reveals Chaos During Attacks
Around 2 a.m., a 911 call reported gunshot wounds at a Champlin residence. Dispatchers heard screams as “multiple GSW victims” were confirmed. Brooklyn Park police later identified the suspect’s fake patrol car near Rep. Hortman’s home.
Ring footage showed a man in a cowboy hat fleeing the scene. Tactical teams noted stark differences in responses—Champlin declared “all clear” by 11:30 a.m., while Brooklyn Park remained locked down.
Key Events from 2 a.m. to Suspect’s Capture
- 3:35 a.m.: Firefight at Hortman’s home; fake police vehicle abandoned.
- 5:30 a.m.: Shelter-in-place order issued near Edinburgh Golf Course.
- 9:45 a.m.: Gov. Walz confirms deaths at a press conference.
By 3:50 p.m., the medical examiner ruled the deaths homicides. Evidence from search warrants linked the suspect to both shootings.
Suspect Profile and Manifesto Details
Vance Boelter’s background reveals troubling government ties. The 47-year-old served on bipartisan workforce boards under two governors, raising questions about his access to officials.
Vance Boelter: Background and Possible Motives
Boelter held roles advising Gov. Dayton and Gov. Walz from 2016–2023. Records show his nonpartisan credentials expired months before the attacks.
| Role | Years Active | Key Focus |
| Workforce Development Board | 2016–2020 | Job training programs |
| Economic Recovery Council | 2021–2023 | Post-pandemic policies |
Texts to roommates mentioned «bad choices» hours before the shootings. His wife was stopped near Onamia with a passport and $12,000 cash.
«No Kings» Manifesto and Fake Police Vehicle
The fake police vehicle contained handwritten pages titled «No Kings.» Law enforcement sources say it targeted pro-choice Democrats.
- Manifesto content: Criticized recent abortion-rights votes.
- Vehicle modifications: Added lights and decals for impersonation.
- Surveillance footage: Showed Boelter wearing a cowboy hat near rental properties.
Authorities are analyzing dual residency patterns between Minneapolis and Green Isle. The manifesto’s anti-authority rhetoric matches Boelter’s online posts.
Political Fallout and Public Response
Governor Tim Walz addressed the state amid growing concerns over political violence. His televised remarks emphasized unity, calling the attacks «a strike at the heart of civic engagement.» Flags statewide were lowered to half-staff, honoring the victims.
Gov. Tim Walz’s Statements and Flag Tributes
Walz said the tragedy underscored the need for «vigilance without division.» He highlighted Rep. Hortman’s work on universal school lunches and abortion rights—a legacy now central to memorial discussions.
Bipartisan tributes poured in, notably from Republican Rep. Pat Garofalo: «Melissa fought for families, regardless of party.» The 2023 power-sharing agreement, once strained, saw renewed focus on safety reforms.
Community Grieving and Security Measures
Vigils erupted near Mercy Hospital and the Capitol. Community grieving blended with demands for action, as mourners left flowers at makeshift memorials.
New security measures for officials include panic buttons and 24/7 detail. «No one should fear public service,» Walz said during a security briefing. Social media reactions ranged from grief to calls for stricter background checks.
Conclusion
The suspect is now in custody, but the investigation remains active. Authorities continue analyzing evidence from multiple crime scenes, including a document listing officials found in the abandoned vehicle. Forensic teams are working to confirm the full scope of the attacks.
John Hoffman undergoes surgeries, while his wife Yvette—shot eight times—is recovering after shielding their daughter. A memorial grows at the State Capitol for the victims, as the public seeks answers.
Federal charges are expected alongside state prosecution. The case has sparked nationwide discussions on police protocols for protecting officials. For information leading to further breakthroughs, the FBI maintains its tip line.
Those affected can access trauma counseling services through local providers. Authorities urge vigilance, noting the complexity of motives behind the violence. Follow live updates for ongoing developments.
FAQ
Who was involved in the Minnesota lawmaker’s killing?
Authorities identified the suspect as Vance Boelter, who allegedly used a fake police vehicle during the attacks. Rep. Melissa Hortman and Sen. John Hoffman were among those targeted.
What were the key events in the timeline of the shooting?
The incident began around 2 a.m. with emergency audio revealing chaos. The suspect was later captured following a public alert and an intensive manhunt.
What was the motive behind the shootings?
Investigators found a manifesto titled «No Kings» linked to Boelter, though exact motives remain under scrutiny. His background suggests extremist leanings.
How did law enforcement respond to the attacks?
Brooklyn Park Police and other agencies swiftly mobilized, issuing alerts and coordinating efforts that led to Boelter’s arrest.
What has been the political response to the incident?
Gov. Tim Walz condemned the violence, ordering flags at half-staff. Lawmakers emphasized security reforms while communities mourned the victims.
Was the suspect’s vehicle a real police car?
No. Boelter reportedly used a fake police vehicle, which complicated initial responses before authorities identified it as unauthorized.
