All the Tea on the Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings
Authorities Apprehend Vance Boelter, Suspected Gunman, in Minnesota Following Massive Statewide Search (Real-Time Updates)
Word on the street is, authorities nabbed a suspect for those I-can't-believe-this-just-happened shootings that took place in Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz made the announcement late on Sunday, confirming a joint FBI and state police effort to collar the perp.
Turns out, it was one heck of a manhunt, with Minnesota Senator John Hoffman—who got himself shot on Saturday—recovering from surgery. The governor described the entire situation as the "largest in the state's history."
Now, let's get to the lowdown on this Vance Boelter character. This 57-year-old, 6-footer, about 220 pounds, has got the law on his tail. They found him in a remote field in Sibley County, southwest of Minneapolis, after they chased his SUV, which apparently had emergency lights on, all the way to a standstill.
Boelter's been hanging out at a law enforcement facility for a little Q and A, according to Drew Evans from the state's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Before they nailed him, they noticed his vehicle parked in Sibley County, about 60 miles from where the shootings went down and east of Boelter's home in Green Isle. Prosecutors are accusing him of two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of attempted second-degree murder.
The cops think Boelter, who lost a security gig due to financial troubles, was shooting to kill. When they found his vehicle, they reports say they discovered "at least three AK-47 assault rifles, a 9mm handgun, as well as a list of names and addresses of other public officials." Yikes.
Walz, in his Sunday press conference, went on a peace-and-love spiel, asking for an end to political violence and reminding us all that we should be working together, not shooting each other down. He even took to Twitter to reiterate his message, posting, "We are a divided nation. But hate and violence is never the answer."
So there ya have it. Seems like this Boelter guy is in deep doo-doo, and the whole state of Minnesota is keeping its fingers crossed for Hoffman's recovery. We'll be keeping an eye on developments for sure. Stay tuned.
Vance Boelter, a well-known figure in Minnesota politics, is currently being questioned by law enforcement after being accused of committing a series of shootings in the state. This crime-and-justice case, which has been classified as the largest in the state's history, has prompted a public plea for peace from Governor Tim Walz, who reminds everyone that political violence is not the answer. Meanwhile, state representative John Hoffman, another public official mentioned in this general-news story, is recovering from surgery following his own involvement in the shootings. House Speaker Melissa Hortman also expressed her concern and support for Hoffman's swift recovery.
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