Vance Boelter, 57, faces murder charges after two-day manhunt; victims include Democratic legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband.
June 16, 2025 – A statewide manhunt ended Sunday with the arrest of Vance Boelter, 57, accused of murdering Minnesota Democratic lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and attempting to kill state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette.
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Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder, according to a newly unsealed criminal complaint. Three of the charges carry potential 40-year prison sentences.
Authorities say Boelter disguised himself as a police officer, wearing a uniform and driving a Ford SUV outfitted with emergency lights. Early Saturday, he allegedly shot and killed the Hortmans at their Brooklyn Park home before driving to Hoffman’s residence nearby. Hoffman, shot nine times, survived surgery and is recovering; his wife’s condition remains undisclosed.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the attack as a “politically motivated assassination,” stating, “This cannot be how we resolve differences in our democracy.”
After a confrontation with police, Boelter fled on foot. A search of his vehicle uncovered three AK-47 rifles, a 9mm handgun, and a list of public officials’ home addresses. Boelter—reportedly linked to evangelical groups and with a history of claiming overseas security experience—was later tracked near his Green Isle home.
Surrounded by SWAT teams and aerial surveillance, Boelter surrendered without resistance. “He crawled toward officers and was taken into custody,” said Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger of the Minnesota State Patrol.
Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley called the operation the largest manhunt in state history, adding, “Now we must determine the motive.”
The attack marks the latest in a growing trend of violence targeting U.S. politicians. Federal authorities are assisting in the investigation.
