BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota, 2025-06-15
Authorities arrested Vance Luther Boelter on Sunday evening, the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses in their homes early Saturday morning.
A manhunt ended with the arrest of a suspect in the shootings of Minnesota lawmakers. The attacks are being called politically motivated.
- Vance Luther Boelter was arrested Sunday evening.
- Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed.
- State senator John Hoffman and his wife survived the attack.
- Authorities believe the attacks were politically motivated.
The arrest of 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter concluded a frantic search after the Saturday morning shootings that took the life of Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark. State senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, were also targeted but survived.
Manhunt and Arrest
The search for Boelter, who had been placed on the FBI’s Most-Wanted list, led authorities to Sibley County, Minn., where his vehicle was found near Highway 25 on Sunday. Boelter was not present at the scene. Prior to this, he was last seen on Saturday morning in Minneapolis, around 6 a.m., after the shootings, where he stopped at a home near 49th and Fremont. Security cameras captured Boelter wearing casual clothing and a cowboy hat.
Boelter was arrested in Sibley County on Sunday night. Authorities confirmed the arrest, with reports citing high-ranking state officials and multiple law enforcement sources.
The attacks occurred at the residences of the lawmakers in the early hours of Saturday morning. Hortman and her husband were killed in Brooklyn Park, while the Hoffmans were attacked at their home in Champlin. The Hoffmans were shot multiple times and are recovering in the hospital after surgeries. Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 2 a.m. local time.
What are the authorities saying about the motive? Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz referred to the attacks as “targeted political violence.”
The Investigation Unfolds
The FBI reports the suspect was impersonating a police officer during the assaults. Reports suggest he may have been wearing a realistic-looking latex mask. A “manifesto” was found in a fake police vehicle near Hortman’s residence. It named several local lawmakers and organizations, including Hoffman and Hortman, leading to concerns about additional targets.
FBI Information on Boelter
The FBI released biographical information to aid in the manhunt. Boelter was born on July 23, 1967, making him 57 years old. He is described as having gray hair and brown eyes, standing 6 ft. 1 in. tall, and weighing about 220 lb.
Where Was He?
Authorities believe Boelter was still in the “vicinity” of the Midwest, according to Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar. She mentioned that alerts had been sent to South Dakota. Authorities stated that border patrol, TSA, and other transportation authorities were on high alert.
A bank account belonging to the suspect was emptied before the attacks. Residents of Sibley County received an emergency alert regarding Boelter’s vehicle being found near Minnesota Highway 25. Local media reported that his cowboy hat was found at the scene.
The area where the authorities found Boelter’s car is around 10 minutes from his listed home address near Green Isle, Minn. On Saturday, his wife, Jenny, was pulled over at a traffic stop in the Onamia area of Minnesota’s Mille Lacs County.
Did Boelter Know the Lawmakers?
Boelter and Hoffman worked together on the Governor’s Workforce Development Board. Superintendent Evans was asked about the nature of the relationship, stating, “There’s certainly some overlap with some public meetings with Sen. Hoffman and the individual, but we don’t know the nature of the relationship or if they actually knew each other.”
It remains unclear if the suspect had previously crossed paths with state Rep. Hortman or her husband.
Minnesota state Sen. John A. Hoffman, pictured here, and his wife, Yvette, were targeted.
The Vehicle and the Manifesto
The fake police vehicle found at Hortman’s residence contained a “manifesto” with approximately 70 names of lawmakers and organizations, including Hoffman and Hortman. This list included various lawmakers across Minnesota, the Midwest, and the Capitol, as well as locations for Planned Parenthood. Superintendent Evans stated it would be “premature” to comment on the motivation based solely on the writing.
Additional security has been provided to those believed to be at risk. Sen. Klobuchar mentioned that more security had been added to her team. She stated that the attacks were politically motivated, possibly with a connection to abortion based on the groups named in the manifesto.
Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith, also on the manifesto list, confirmed she is working closely with Capitol Police and local law enforcement. Flyers referencing the “No Kings” protests that took place across the U.S. on Saturday were also found in the vehicle.
This photo provided by Minnesota State Patrol shows writings in the fake police car law enforcement officials believe a suspect used in the shooting of two Democratic legislators in Minnesota on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Where Does Boelter Live and Work?
Boelter resides near Green Isle, Minn. Police searched his home on Saturday. According to David Carlson, a friend of Boelter, Boelter texted his friends before the shootings. The text read, “I just wanna let you know that I love you guys and I wish it hadn’t gone this way. I don’t wanna say anything more and implicate you in any way, because you guys don’t know anything about this, but I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”
Carlson said that Boelter worked at a funeral home, owned guns, and voted for Donald Trump last year.
Boelter’s Views
Boelter appears to be an Evangelical Christian. He has delivered testimonials in Africa. A video shows a man resembling Boelter criticizing the LGBTQ+ community.
A LinkedIn post from six years ago on a profile believed to belong to Boelter encouraged people in the U.S. to vote.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
As the dust settles, the investigation’s next steps center around several key areas. These include a thorough analysis of the “manifesto” found in Boelter’s vehicle, examining his digital footprint, and determining the extent of any potential connections. Law enforcement will also work to protect those named in the manifesto and assess the broader implications of the attacks.
The primary focus will be on piecing together a timeline of Boelter’s actions before the shootings to understand the motive. Authorities are working to determine the exact contents of the manifesto that listed several lawmakers and organizations. The goal is to create a clearer picture of Boelter’s mindset and any potential accomplices.
Analyzing the “Manifesto”
The “manifesto” holds critical clues. Forensic analysis of the document will reveal its origins and any embedded data. Experts will examine the language used, the specific targets listed, and any symbols or coded messages. This could provide insight into Boelter’s beliefs, affiliations, and the potential for a larger conspiracy. The document is expected to provide clues concerning any other members of Boelter’s group, or any potential accomplices.
Digital Forensics
Investigators are delving into Boelter’s digital world. This includes examining his cell phone, computer, social media accounts, and any other online presence. The digital forensics will look for communications,search history,online purchases,and any digital footprint that may offer context or add to the investigation. His online activity could reveal his motivations, political views, and the degree to which he planned the attacks.
Following the Money Trail
Authorities are also tracing the money trail. The emptying of Boelter’s bank account before the attacks raises questions about financial resources and planning. Investigators will scrutinize financial records, transactions, and any potential sources of funding.
Additional security measures are being implemented for lawmakers and individuals mentioned in the manifesto. The authorities aim to protect potential targets and prevent any further violence resulting from Boelter’s alleged actions.
What About the “no Kings” Protests?
Flyers referencing “No Kings” protests were found in Boelter’s vehicle. This raises the question of whether the attacks were connected. The “No kings” movement is a loose affiliation of groups. Law enforcement is examining any potential links with other groups or online communities and if Boelter had an affiliation.
Timeline of Events: What We Know
- Early Saturday Morning: Shootings at the homes of minnesota legislators.
- Saturday Morning: Boelter is seen in Minneapolis around 6 a.m.
- Saturday Evening: Authorities issue an all-points bulletin and put Boelter on the FBI’s Most Wanted list.
- Sunday Evening: Boelter is arrested in Sibley County, Minnesota.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the case:
Q: What is the status of the injured victims?
A: Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are recovering in the hospital after multiple surgeries, and officials have stated they are in stable condition.
Q: Has a motive for the attacks been established?
A: While authorities believe the attacks were politically motivated, the exact motive is still under investigation. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
Q: What charges does Boelter face?
A: Boelter faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder. Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses.
Q: Are there any other suspects?
A: At this time, Boelter is the only suspect. Authorities are investigating whether he had any assistance or accomplices.
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