Suspect in Minnesota Political Attack Surrenders After 2-Day Manhunt/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were fatally shot in their home. Another lawmaker and his wife were injured in a politically targeted attack. The suspect, Vance Boelter, surrendered after a 48-hour statewide manhunt.
Minnesota Political Shooting Quick Looks
- Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed Saturday.
- Senator John Hoffman and his wife survived a related attack.
- Suspect Vance Boelter posed as a police officer and used a fake squad vehicle.
- Boelter surrendered Sunday after being tracked to a wooded area near his home.
- Authorities uncovered a list of 70 potential political targets.
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz condemned the act as “targeted political violence.”
- The shootings have intensified concerns over rising political extremism.
Deep Look: Minnesota Lawmaker Shooting and Arrest – Full Breakdown
Suspect Apprehended After Massive Manhunt
Vance Boelter, the man accused of killing Minnesota state lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, was arrested early Monday after surrendering in the woods near his home in Sibley County. The arrest concluded what authorities described as the largest manhunt in state history.
Boelter, 42, faces four felony counts: two for murder and two for attempted murder. He is expected to appear in court Monday afternoon. Jail records show he was booked shortly after 1 a.m., wearing an orange prison uniform.
Two Homes, Two Attacks
Authorities believe Boelter first attacked Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette at their Champlin residence around 2 a.m. Saturday. The couple’s daughter called 911 as a masked man shot both her parents. Police later confirmed they were in stable condition, with Yvette Hoffman revealing they endured 17 gunshot wounds between them.
Within hours, officers responding to a welfare check at the Hortmans’ Brooklyn Park home witnessed Boelter shoot Mark Hortman through the doorway before fleeing. Inside, Melissa Hortman was found fatally shot.
Fake Police Car, Real Violence
Boelter allegedly posed as a law enforcement officer, modifying an SUV to resemble a squad car complete with emergency lights and decals. Authorities said this deception allowed him to approach the lawmakers’ homes undetected.
Dark Manifesto Discovered
Investigators found disturbing writings and a list of 70 names in Boelter’s abandoned vehicle. According to law enforcement, the list included prominent lawmakers, abortion rights activists, and health care officials. Some on the list had previously supported legislation to protect reproductive rights—suggesting a politically motivated hit list.
While a motive hasn’t been formally disclosed, Gov. Walz called the shootings “targeted political violence,” urging the public to stand united against extremism.
Former Political Ties
Records show Boelter once served on a state workforce board alongside Senator Hoffman, though it remains unclear how well they knew each other. Hours after the shootings, Boelter texted friends vague apologies, saying he “may be dead shortly” and expressing regret for what had occurred.
Public and Political Response
Senator Amy Klobuchar shared an emotional message from Yvette Hoffman, who confirmed her husband was undergoing multiple surgeries but remained in recovery. She expressed heartbreak over the loss of her close friend, Melissa Hortman.
At the Minnesota Capitol, mourners created a makeshift memorial with flowers, flags, and notes honoring the slain lawmaker. Community leaders and ordinary Minnesotans alike gathered in grief and disbelief.
Pam Stein, who brought flowers to the site, tearfully called Hortman a “powerhouse” and “an unsung hero” of Minnesota politics.
Growing Threat of Political Extremism
The killings have shaken Minnesota and added to a troubling trend of violence directed at elected officials nationwide. In recent years, threats and attacks on public servants have increased in the U.S., often fueled by polarized rhetoric and disinformation.
“This cannot be the norm,” said Gov. Walz. “It cannot be the way we deal with political differences.”
As the investigation continues, lawmakers and community advocates are calling for enhanced security, de-escalation of violent rhetoric, and legislative reforms to safeguard democracy.
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