Suspect Arrested in Minnesota Lawmaker's Shooting After Largest Manhunt
A 57-year-old man has been arrested for killing Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband in a politically motivated attack. Authorities warn of wider threats after finding a target list.
Enet
A 57-year-old man, Vance Luther Boelter, has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of longtime Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. The arrest marks the end of the largest manhunt in Minnesota's history, following a two-day statewide search.
Boelter was apprehended Sunday night in a rural area west of Minneapolis. Authorities say he was armed at the time but surrendered without resistance when approached by law enforcement.
The tragic incident is being described as a politically motivated attack. Governor Tim Walz called the killings an “unspeakable act” that has shaken the state, stating, “This cannot be the way we deal with political differences.”
Boelter is also accused of shooting and injuring State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, both of whom are now recovering in the hospital. “We’re incredibly lucky to be alive,” Yvette Hoffman said from her hospital bed.
Target List and Political Motive
Authorities revealed that Boelter had previously served on a state board alongside Senator Hoffman. He is a self-described security expert and missionary with experience in Africa and the Middle East. Investigators uncovered a list of potential targets inside the suspect’s vehicle, which included high-profile political figures.
While officials have not released the names, sources report the list includes Governor Walz, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and Attorney General Keith Ellison. Law enforcement agencies in nearby states—Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, and Iowa—have been alerted as a precaution.
Drew Evans, head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), confirmed the list’s existence but clarified it was “not a manifesto” and did not offer a coherent ideology.
A State in Mourning
Melissa Hortman, a dedicated member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for two decades and Speaker from 2019 to 2025, was known for her strong leadership and bipartisan work. Her death, along with her husband's, has left Minnesota’s political community in mourning.
Mayor Jacob Frey praised law enforcement for their swift and brave response. “Political violence is unacceptable and has no place in our democracy. Those who carry out such acts must face justice,” he stated.
Boelter reportedly posed as a police officer to carry out the attacks and fled the scene after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement. He was later tracked down in Sibley County, about 50 miles from the original crime scene in Brooklyn Park.
Also Read: Minnesota Lawmaker Shootings: Manhunt Underway After Political Attack Kills State Rep, Husband
Authorities confirmed there are no other suspects and no officers were injured during the manhunt.
What Comes Next
Boelter is expected to face multiple charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. A formal court appearance is anticipated later this week.
Meanwhile, a state memorial service is being planned to honor Melissa and Mark Hortman, whose deaths have sent shockwaves across the political spectrum.
As Minnesota grieves, Governor Walz urged unity in the face of violence: “This tragedy must not divide us. It must remind us what’s worth protecting: democracy, decency, and one another.”
