Arrest Made in Deadly Ambush on Minnesota Politicians
Arrest of individual implicated in US politician's murder
The man accused of attacking two Democratic politicians in Minnesota, resulting in the deaths of Melissa Hortman and her husband, has been apprehended. Governor Tim Walz confirmed the arrest during a press conference.
Reports from ABC News indicate that the 57-year-old suspect, later identified as Vance Luther Boelter, was taken into custody near his farm in Green Isle, Minnesota.
Boelter, who posed as a police officer, targeted his victims in their homes on Saturday. First, he opened fire on John Hoffman, a member of the Minnesota Senate, and his wife, injuring both. About an hour and a half later, Boelter carried out the attack on Hortman, a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband, leading to their deaths.
Suspect's vehicle, potential hit list seized
A shootout ensued between the attacker and police near Hortman's house, but Boelter managed to escape. Police were able to seize his vehicle, which resembled a police SUV. ABC News, citing law enforcement sources, revealed that the vehicle contained a list with dozens of Minnesota Democrats as potential targets, along with a manifesto[1].
Boelter has connections to evangelical groups and claims to be a security expert with experience in the Gaza Strip and Africa. He is also alleged to have ties with radical anti-abortion groups[1]. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz described the incident as "a targeted act of political violence." US President Donald Trump also condemned the attack.
The escalating political climate in the US
The political climate in the US has grown increasingly heated. During the 2024 presidential campaign, a man with a gun attempted to assassinate then-Republican presidential candidate Trump[2]. In April 2025, an arson attack occurred on the residence of Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro[2]. In 2022, the husband of then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was attacked with a hammer in their home and was severely injured[2].
[1] ntv.de, as/AFP/rts[2] Enrichment data
- USA
- Police
- Murder and Manslaughter
During the investigation, it was discovered that the suspect's vehicle, resembling a police SUV, contained a potential hit list with numerous Minnesota Democrats as targets, as well as a manifesto.
The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, described the incident as a "targeted act of political violence," echoing concerns over the escalating political climate in the US, where instances of political violence, such as the attack on then-US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband, have become more common.
