The massive manhunt for Vance Boelter, the 57-year-old suspect in the deadly shootings of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, ended Sunday evening with his arrest near his farm in Green Isle, authorities confirmed.
Boelter was apprehended without resistance after being spotted on a nearby trail by surveillance cameras. Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger said the suspect “crawled to law enforcement teams” before being taken into custody in a wooded area. He was transported to an undisclosed police facility for questioning.
Boelter is accused of killing State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and of wounding State Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in what authorities describe as politically motivated attacks. Officials say Boelter gained access to both homes by posing as a police officer, arriving in a vehicle outfitted with flashing lights to mimic a squad car. He was also allegedly wearing a realistic latex mask during the shootings.
The attacks occurred early Saturday morning—first at the Hoffman residence in Champlin, where both the senator and his wife were shot multiple times, and later at the Hortman home in Brooklyn Park, where both victims were killed. The initial 911 call was made by Hoffman’s child, according to court records.
Boelter exchanged gunfire with responding officers outside the Hortman home around 3:35 a.m. before fleeing on foot and abandoning his fake police vehicle. Inside the vehicle, investigators discovered a hat believed to belong to the suspect, along with critical evidence, including a “target list” naming several prominent Minnesota Democrats. Those listed included Governor Tim Walz, U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, and Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Describing the shootings as “the largest manhunt in Minnesota state history,” officials said Boelter evaded capture for 43 hours. The FBI had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest, and a federal warrant was issued for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
During a Sunday press conference, Governor Walz condemned the killings and praised law enforcement for their rapid response and coordination. “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the state of Minnesota,” he said. “But the swift efforts of our officers show the power of working together.”
Senator Hoffman and his wife are said to be recovering after surgery. According to associates, Yvette Hoffman is conscious and stable, while the senator is alert but recovering from a collapsed lung after being shot multiple times. “Everyone is cautiously optimistic,” one source said.
Boelter, a married father and former security firm leader, has promoted a background in military and tactical training, according to his online history and professional records. He helped run Praetorian Guard Security Services, based in the Twin Cities area.
Law enforcement also confirmed that Boelter’s wife was briefly detained for questioning following a traffic stop on Saturday but has since been released. Her role, if any, in aiding Boelter remains unclear. Authorities are continuing to investigate whether the suspect received any outside assistance while evading capture.
