Man Accused Of Targeting Minnesota Lawmakers Captured Alive In Sibley County
The manhunt for the suspect accused of targeting and shooting Minnesota lawmakers came to an end Sunday evening with the arrest of 57-year-old Vance Boelter in Sibley County.
According to Minnesota BCA Superintendent Drew Evans, Boelter was apprehended near the 35600 block of 200th Street near Green Isle after law enforcement received information that he had been seen in the area.
Rep. Melissa Hortman (L) and Sen. John Hoffman
> Sign up for the MN CRIME newsletter
Officers converged and took him into custody under a state criminal warrant for the murders of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the attempted murders of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Lt. Col. Jeremy Geiger confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the arrest and no force was used in taking Boelter into custody. Authorities say Boelter was armed at the time of the arrest, but surrendered peacefully. Evans said the investigation remains active with more work ahead.
READ MORE > Vance Boelter coverage
Investigators believe Boelter impersonated a law enforcement officer during the attacks, wearing tactical gear and arriving in a dark SUV. At around 2 a.m., he reportedly shot two people at Hoffman’s residence in Champlin before fleeing.
Around 3:30 a.m., police were checking on Hortman’s home in Brooklyn Park when they encountered a man exiting the residence wearing law enforcement-style clothing. Officers say the man opened fire on them and then fled out the back of the home. A look-alike police vehicle was found in the driveway with lights activated. Authorities say the suspect was wearing a tactical-style vest, badge, and taser at the time of the encounter.
A manifesto naming multiple lawmakers and officials from multiple states was recovered from the suspect’s vehicle in Brooklyn Park. Authorities increased security across the Twin Cities, and even cancelled some events scheduled in Brooklyn Park and a planned protest at the Minnesota State Capitol.
X: Original thread on the shootings
Boelter was the subject of a nationwide manhunt after authorities said he posed as a police officer and targeted legislators in two separate overnight shootings earlier this week. Rep. Hortman and her husband were killed in Brooklyn Park, while Sen. Hoffman and his wife were critically wounded at his home in Champlin. Officials say Sen. Hoffman has now emerged from his final surgery and is beginning the road to recovery. His wife is also healing at the hospital.
PREVIOUSLY: Gunman Who Posed As Cop To Target Lawmakers Identified-Manhunt Underway
Boelter, who is believed to have owned a home near Green Isle, previously held government appointments. State records show he was named to the nonpartisan Governor’s Workforce Development Council in 2016 under Gov. Mark Dayton and reappointed in 2019 by Gov. Tim Walz. His most recent term ended in January 2023.
In addition, Boelter is listed as a “Director of Security Patrols” for a private firm known as Praetorian Guard Security Services. A company biography describes him as having security experience across Eastern Europe, Africa, the Middle East and North America, including work in Gaza, Southern Lebanon and the West Bank. The same description claims he has received training from both private contractors and U.S. military personnel, and has worked with major global corporations in the energy, food and retail sectors.
After Boelter’s apprehension Sunday night in Sibley County. Via Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
Minnesota officials around the state have been offering their condolences to those impacted by the targeted assassinations:
“I want to express my profound sorrow about the death of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the shooting of Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. Rep. Hortman devoted her life to public service, championing the marginalized and advancing justice. I was always moved by her unshakable belief in the power of democracy to improve people’s lives. Her death is not only personally devastating, but also leaves a deep void in the heart of our state.”
“My thoughts are with Rep. Hortman’s family, friends, and all who grieve this tragic loss. I also extend my heartfelt wishes for a full and speedy recovery to Sen. Hoffman and his wife. As we mourn together, may we remember that Rep. Hortman’s light will live on in all of us who champion democracy and pursue justice,” —Statement from Minnesota Chief Justice Natalie Hudson on Sunday night.
Governor Tim Walz confirmed the arrest and praised law enforcement’s efforts. “One man’s unthinkable actions have altered the State of Minnesota,” Walz said. “Melissa Hortman was the core of who our values were. Rest assured we will put every ounce of effort Minnesota has to make sure that justice is served and the individual responsible serves the time for this unspeakable act.”
Authorities say further updates will be provided as the investigation continues. A motive for the attacks have not been publicly confirmed.
> See more of our latest coverage
Follow on X or YouTube for more
> Help make MN safer with real-time alerts, LIVE video, 24/7 Safety Agents & much more: Download Citizen now
