Suspect Vance Boelter, implicated in the Minnesota lawmaker shootings, has been apprehended by authorities.
Losin' the Game
Meet Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old fellow hailing from Green Isle, Minnesota. According to the FBI, this fella allegedly pulled the trigger on politically-motivated shootings that targeted two state lawmakers and their spouses in a series of attacks that authorities aren't mincing words about - branding them as "political assassinations".
In the wee hours of Saturday morning, Boelter is accused of fatally shooting Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her hubby, Mark, and wounding Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette - all victims of a planned, brutal attack. Awfully chilling, huh? Boelter supposedly dressed up as a cop and donned a realistic mask during his heinous acts.
Boelter's manhunt clocked in at a staggering 36 hours before he was finally nabbed on Sunday night. He was found hiding in the woods near his residence in Sibley County. Authorities hauled him in on charges of second-degree murder and attempted murder. He made a court appearance on Monday afternoon.
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office shared a picture on social media before 10 p.m. that appears to show Boelter being apprehended. Their caption read, "The face of evil." Social media ain't exactly the place for warmth and fuzzies, but that sure is a fitting description.
The search for Boelter started early Saturday morning, after the police were called to the Hortman residence around 3:30 a.m. and found a suspicious car with emergency lights flickering. Boelter then emerged from the house and opened fire on the cops, before skedaddling on foot.
Gov. Tim Walz expressed his gratitude to the brave cops and federal agents who worked tirelessly to bring this guy to justice. Walz also commended their dedication, as they missed out on spending Father's Day with their families so that justice could be served for the Hortmans and Hoffmans. The Hortmans lost their lives in this horrifying ordeal, while John Hoffman woke up from surgery and is on the mend, and Yvette is recovering.
In wake of the tragedy, flags have been flying at half-staff to honor the Hortmans. Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans assured that their team will continue to gather evidence and ensure Boelter is held accountable for his crimes.
Speaker of the Minnesota House Lisa Demuth released a statement expressing relief that the ordeal has ended, as Boelter can now face justice for the unfathomable chaos he unleashed. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar also gave kudos to the law enforcement for their unwavering efforts in capturing Boelter.
- Trigger Pull
- Minnesota
Aki NaceAki Nace has been a web producer for our Minnesota since 2019. She covers breaking news and makes short-form documentary films.
- Aki Nace, a web producer for our Minnesota news, has been covering the breaking news of Vance Boelter, a 57-year-old Green Isle resident, who allegedly pulled the trigger on politically-motivated shootings in Minnesota.
- The crime-and-justice department is investigating Boelter's attacks on state lawmakers and their spouses, which authorities are calling "political assassinations."
- As Aki Nace continues to gather news on this general-news topic, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assures that they will ensure Boelter is held accountable for his crimes, with the support of law enforcement teams working tirelessly for law and justice.
