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Key Points:
- Vance Luther Boelter, 57, was apprehended late Sunday, June 15, 2025, in Sibley County, Minnesota, for the politically motivated.
- Boelter allegedly shot state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, in a separate attack; both are stable.
- The search, the largest in Minnesota’s history, involved over 20 SWAT teams, per CNBC.
Late Sunday, June 15, 2025, authorities arrested Vance Luther Boelter in a wooded area of Sibley County, Minnesota, bringing an end to a two-day search. Boelter is accused of killing state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and shooting state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, on Saturday, June 14, 2025. “This was the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history,” said Brooklyn Park Police Chief Mark Bruley, per CNBC.
Over 20 SWAT teams searched the rural area. Boelter, armed at the time, surrendered without violence, said Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger. He is being questioned at an undisclosed police facility.
Boelter Shot Hoffman At Champlin Residence
Boelter allegedly posed as a police officer, wearing a latex mask and a law enforcement-style uniform, to gain entry to the victims’ homes at 2 a.m. Saturday, he shot Hoffman and his wife at their Champlin residence.
Around 3:35 a.m., he attacked the Hortmans in Brooklyn Park, eight miles away. Officers, checking on Hortman after Hoffman’s shooting, exchanged gunfire with Boelter, who fled on foot, leaving a fake police SUV. The vehicle contained a “manifesto” and a list of about 70 targets, mostly Democratic politicians like Gov. Tim Walz and Rep. Ilhan Omar.
Authorities believe Boelter acted alone but are probing possible indirect assistance.
Who is Boelter?
Boelter, a security contractor with Praetorian Guard Security Services, served as director of security patrols. His firm used police-like SUVs, which he leveraged in the attacks. He also ran an evangelical nonprofit, Reformation Ministries, and preached against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Boelter served on the Minnesota Governor’s Workforce Development Board with Hoffman, though their relationship is unclear. A friend, David Carlson, told NPR that Boelter’s security experience was partly “fantasy” and noted his financial struggles. Boelter texted Carlson before the attacks, saying, “I may be dead shortly,”
It is considered a politically motivated assassination.
The shootings, labeled a “politically motivated assassination” by Gov. Tim Walz, shocked Minnesota. Hortman, a former House Speaker, and Hoffman were Minnesota DFL members.
The attacks coincided with “No Kings Day” protests against President Donald Trump’s policies. However, Boelter had no direct connection to the protests. His vehicle had “No Kings” fliers, prompting rally cancellations in Minnesota. On X, @NadineBabu praised law enforcement for capturing Boelter alive, reflecting community relief. Trump condemned the violence on Truth Social.
Boelter faces two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder. The FBI is reviewing federal charges. A $50,000 reward was offered for his capture. Authorities found Boelter’s second vehicle Sunday in Sibley County. His wife, Jenny, was detained Saturday with cash and passports but released. The target list included abortion rights advocates, fueling speculation about Boelter’s motives. Gov. Walz said, “This cannot be the norm,”.