Shooting Suspect at Large in Minnesota: Killed One Lawmaker, Two Remain Missing
In Minneapolis Suburbs, Manhunt for Shooting Suspect Continues
BELLE PLAINE, Minn. - The hunt for the suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, one of whom was killed, is approaching the 37-hour mark with no sign of escape. Authorities confirmed that Vance Boelter, the main suspect in the attack, remains at large.
On Sunday evening, authorities delivered a busy news conference, disclosing that Boelter was not in custody. They are certain he is still alive.
Investigators searched a car on Sunday, believed to have been Boelter's, in the suburbs outside Minneapolis where the shootings transpired on Saturday. Drew Evans, superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, reported that evidence relevant to the case was found within the vehicle. Further details were not offered.
According to Evans, authorities spoke with Boelter's wife and other family members in connection to Saturday's shootings. They confirmed that they were cooperative and were not taken into custody.
Former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were tragically killed in their Brooklyn Park residence early on Saturday. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, sustained injuries at their Champlin home, approximately 9 miles away.
Authorities identified Boelter, 57, as a suspect over the weekend, stating that he adopted a disguise, posing as a police officer. He is alleged to have even modified his vehicle to appear like a police car.
A state on edge struggled to comprehend the brazen political attack as authorities searched a vehicle on a rural road. Boelter was believed to have fled on foot more than 36 hours ago after authorities initially confronted him outside Hortman's home. The FBI issued a reward of up to $50,000 for any information leading to Boelter's arrest and conviction. They also circulated a picture taken on Saturday of Boelter wearing a tan cowboy hat, asking for the public's help with identifying his whereabouts.
Investigators discovered a cowboy hat near the vehicle, and it was confirmed to belong to Boelter, according to Evans. Law enforcement officers were searching the area, including nearby homes.
The search was taking place in rural Sibley County, which lies roughly 50 miles southwest of Minneapolis, and was Boelter's home with his wife and five children. Residents in the area were alerted about the discovered vehicle via emergency messages, instructing them to lock their doors and cars.
A crowd of officers were observed gathered on a dirt road close to the abandoned, dark sedan. Some officers divided and ventured into a wooded area separate from the road. The vehicle was eventually towed away.
"We believe he's somewhere in the vicinity and they are going to find him," U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota stated on NBC's "Meet the Press." "But right now, everyone's on edge here, because we know that this man is a threat and would not hesitate to strike again."
The shootings occurred during a time of increased political tensions and threats aimed at leaders across the country. Lawmakers described being troubled by the attacks while Twin Cities residents grieved the loss.
Brightly colored flowers adorned the gray marble stone at the Minnesota State Capitol, along with small American flags, alongside a photo of the Hortmans. People scribbled messages on small notes, such as "You were our leader during the hardest of times. Rest in Power".
Pam Stein visited with flowers and knelt near the memorial. An emotional Stein labeled Hortman an "absolute powerhouse" and "the unsung hero in Minnesota politics."
"She had a unique way of bringing people together and achieving results that no one else could accomplish," said Stein, a retired lawyer.
The Hoffmans were recovering from surgery, according to their nephew, Mat Ollig.
No Details on Motive
Authorities are yet to share details about a potential motive behind the attack.
Officials disclosed that a list of around 70 names was found in writings recovered from the fake police vehicle left at the scene. The names included prominent state and federal lawmakers, as well as community leaders, abortion rights activists, and information regarding healthcare facilities, according to officials.
Minnesota officials informed the AP that lawmakers who were outspoken in favor of abortion rights were included on the list. The official requested anonymity as the investigation is still ongoing.
The attacks prompted warnings for state elected officials and the cancellation of planned "No Kings" demonstrations against the sitting president, although some demonstrations went ahead, including one at the State Capitol in St. Paul that drew tens of thousands[2]. Authorities mentioned that the suspect had "No Kings" flyers in his vehicle.
Law enforcement agencies recovered several AK-style firearms from the suspect's vehicle, and he was believed to be armed with a pistol at the time of his escape[3]. The source who shared this information chose to remain anonymous, as they were not authorized to disclose details related to the ongoing investigation.
In connection to the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, officials have revealed that the suspect, Vance Boelter, may have had a list of around 70 names, which includes prominent state and federal lawmakers, community leaders, abortion rights activists, and information regarding healthcare facilities.
Amidst the manhunt, the general news is filled with updates on the ongoing political tensions and threats, with crime-and-justice taking center stage due to the brazen attack.
