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A two-day manhunt ended late Sunday night with the arrest of Vance Boelter, the man accused of carrying out a deadly political shooting against two Minnesota legislators. The attack ended up killing lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. Boelter is also charged with the attempted murders of state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, who both remain hospitalized after surviving multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities say the shootings took place early Saturday morning at the separate homes of the two Democratic lawmakers. Boelter, 57, allegedly impersonated a police officer to gain access, wearing a uniform that closely resembled official law enforcement gear. The attack left Minnesota shaken and forced law enforcement to mount what officials called the largest manhunt in state history.

Sequence of Events and Fatalities

Melissa Hortman, a longtime state representative and former Speaker of the House, was found shot dead alongside her husband at their Brooklyn Park residence. Not long after, John Hoffman and his wife were shot in a separate attack at their home. Police say Boelter fled the scene on foot before law enforcement arrived.

The suspect’s car was later found abandoned near his home in rural Green Isle, about an hour west of Minneapolis. Investigators discovered evidence inside the vehicle, including what has been described as a list of additional targets. Governor Tim Walz, Representative Ilhan Omar, and Attorney General Keith Ellison were among those reported to be on the list, though officials have not confirmed names publicly.

Yvette Hoffman issued a statement through Senator Amy Klobuchar thanking the public for their support. She said both she and her husband were lucky to be alive after being shot a combined 17 times.

Murder Suspect’s Capture and Charges

On Sunday evening, law enforcement teams located Boelter crawling through a field in sparsely populated Sibley County. He was armed but surrendered without resistance. More than 200 personnel, including local and regional SWAT units, participated in the manhunt.

Boelter is being held on a $5 million bond and faces four felony charges: two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. Officials said federal charges may follow, pending a separate review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI.

The FBI had offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Boelter’s arrest. He was previously known to law enforcement and had served on the same state workforce development board as Senator Hoffman. According to public records, Boelter also worked as a security contractor and religious missionary with overseas assignments in Africa and the Middle East.

What Drove the Attack Against the Minnesota Legislators

While the investigation remains ongoing, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called the attack a “politically motivated assassination.” Boelter’s access to the lawmakers and use of impersonation tactics suggest the shootings were premeditated and targeted. Authorities found no signs that Boelter acted with accomplices, but they are still reviewing digital and physical evidence recovered from the vehicle and surrounding areas.

Boelter’s motive is not yet fully established, but law enforcement confirmed he had a list of names and was prepared for further violence. Officials in neighboring states have been alerted as a precaution.

Superintendent Drew Evans of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension clarified that while a notebook was found in the suspect’s vehicle, it did not contain ideological writings typically associated with manifestos. Still, the list of names and the suspect’s preparation indicate deliberate planning.

A State Responds to Political Violence Against Minnesota Legislators

Governor Walz, speaking at a Sunday night press conference, said the state must confront political violence before it becomes normalized. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey echoed that message, praising law enforcement while warning against allowing such violence to become part of the political landscape.

Melissa Hortman served in the state legislature for 20 years and was known for her advocacy on climate policy and worker protections. Her death marks one of the most direct acts of political violence in recent state history.

Residents and elected officials across the state have called for increased security for public officials and a broader discussion on political rhetoric, extremism, and law enforcement impersonation.

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