The man suspected of assassinating one Minnesota lawmaker and shooting another is in police custody, ending a nearly two-day manhunt.
Officials announced that Vance Boelter, 57, was taken into custody Sunday. He has been accused of fatally shooting Democratic state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, as well as shooting Democratic state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife at their respective homes in the early morning hours on Saturday in what has been described as a “politically-motivated” attack.
Law enforcement agencies spent nearly 48 hours searching for Boelter, with more than 100 agents deployed across the state.
On Sunday morning, police located the suspect’s vehicle on the side of the highway in Sibley County, where officials said they found valuable evidence.
Boelter’s longtime friend and roommate said he was at their shared rental in Minneapolis the night before the shootings and texted him the morning after they occurred.
Officials allege that the suspect impersonated a police officer, and the FBI released a photo of him dressed in law enforcement attire and wearing what appeared to be a costume face mask at the front door of the victims’ home.
State Sen. Hoffman and his wife were rushed into surgery after being shot nine and eight times, respectively, and are recovering.
Law enforcement discovered writing in the suspect’s car with the names of several Democratic officials and abortion rights supporters.
Key points
- Suspect Vance L. Boelter in custody
- Where was the suspect captured?
- What has the suspect been charged with?
- Who is Rep. Melissa Hortman?
- Who is Sen. John Hoffman?
Boelter was armed when captured
05:45
,
Andrew Georgeson
Boelter, the suspect in the Minnesota shootings, was armed when he was taken into custody, officials confirmed. They declined to stay what kind of weapon he had.
He is now being interviewed at an unnamed law enforcement agency.
What has Vance Boelter been charged with?
05:15
,
Andrew Georgeson
A criminal complaint unsealed upon Boelter’s apprehension states he stands charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree attempted murder by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.
These are state charges.
During Sunday’s press conference, Drew Evans, the superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension said FBI will review whether federal charges should be brought as well.
Sen. Hoffman is out of surgery, Gov. Walz confirms
05:07
,
Andrew Georgeson
Sen. John Hoffman is out of his final surgery and is now recovering, Gov. Tim Walz confirmed Sunday night. His wife, Yvette, is also on the road to recovery.
The first 911 call was made by one of the children of John and Yvette Hoffman after they were shot multiple times, according to a criminal complaint seen by the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Walz said the Hoffman’s daughter, Hope, "saved countless lives" during his late-night press conference by making the call.
Where was the suspect captured?
05:01
,
Andrew Georgeson
Suspect Vance Boelter was captured in Sibley County, Minnesota, which is about 70 miles from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, where the fatal shootings took place.
According to the Minnesota Star Tribune, a Sibley County resident reported that their trail camera captured an image that “was consistent with Boelter” at around 7 p.m. Sunday.
Boelter evaded capture for a further hour in a forest, before peacefully surrendering to officials. He was taken to the Sibley County Jail by the Brooklyn Park Police Department.
“There’s no question that this is the largest manhunt in the state’s history,” Mark Bruley, the Brooklyn Park Police Department chief, said on Sunday night.
Gov. Walz is about to hold a press conference
04:43
,
Andrew Georgeson
He'll be joined by Department of Public Safety Commissioner Bob Jacobson; the superintendent of the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Drew Evans; and local law enforcement officials, his office said.
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office shares picture of suspect
04:17
,
Andrew Georgeson
Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office has shared a photo of the alleged gunman, seemingly taken shortly after he had been captured.
“The face of evil,” the post read. “After relentless and determined police work, the killer is now in custody. Thanks to the dedication of multiple agencies working together along with support from the community, justice is one step closer.”
Breaking: Arrest made
03:46
,
Andrew Georgeson
Some late breaking news tonight.
The man suspected of assassinating a Minnesota lawmaker and shooting another is in custody, ending a two-day manhunt.
Alex Woodward has the latest for you here.
Memorials for Melissa Hortman line steps of Minnesota state Capital
03:15
,
Alex Woodward
ICYMI: Trump says he ‘may’ call Tim Walz after Minnesota shooting as he attacks ‘grossly incompetent’ governor
02:30
,
Alex Woodward
The president has not yet called Minnesota Governor Tim Walz following the killings of a state lawmaker and her husband.
“Well, it’s a terrible thing,” Trump ABC’s Rachel Scott on Sunday.
“I think he’s a terrible governor. I think he’s a grossly incompetent person,” he said. “But I may, I may call him, I may call other people too.”
The president had not called the governor has of Sunday evening.
Trump also did not address the politically motivated assassination as he spoke to reporters outside the White House on Sunday night.
How the ‘politically motivated’ shooting of Minnesota lawmakers unleashed right-wing conspiracy theories
02:18
,
Josh Marcus
Police in Minnesota are grappling with two different chases.
The first, most pressing one, is to locate Vance L. Boelter, the man suspected of impersonating a police officer and shooting two state lawmakers and their spouses in a “politically motivated” attack on Saturday.
The other is a race to get in front of feverish conspiracy theories about the incident that are spreading across right-wing corners of the internet.
More details in our full story.
Where is Vance Boelter headed? 'All options are open,' police say
01:45
,
Alex Woodward
As the manhunt for Vance Boelter continues into a third day, law enforcement officials have disclosed little about where he might he headed, how he’s getting around, and whether anyone is helping him.
“Yesterday, certainly, he had a lot of time to cover a lot of distance once he escaped from the crime scene,” Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters on Sunday night.
Boelter is accused of impersonating an officer and breaking into the homes of two state lawmakers, killing state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and critically injuring state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette,.
“There’s a large law enforcement presence down in Sibley County, but we don’t have him in custody, so we don’t have evidence that he’s intending a particular destination, but all options are open to the investigative team and they're exploring that right now,” he said.
Police “have not concluded exactly how exactly he is getting around the area at this time,” Evans said.
Police recovered 'relevant' evidence in suspect's vehicle
01:15
,
Alex Woodward
Police discovered “items of evidence that are relevant to this investigation” in a car recovered in Sibley County, but officials have not disclosed any information, according to Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
“We can’t go into the details of that,” he told reporters on Sunday night.
A hat was among items recovered from the scene.
Law enforcement disputes 'manifesto' characterization
01:00
,
Alex Woodward
Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, told reporters on Sunday that suspected gunman Vance Boelter didn’t leave behind “a traditional manifesto."
He said the document was more like “a notebook, with a lot of lawmakers and others that are listed in there, and much more other thoughts that are throughout this, as opposed to a very succinct document.”
“I don’t want the public to have the impression that there's this long manifesto,” he said.
John Hoffman shot nine times and 'is closer every hour to being out of the woods,' wife tells Amy Klobuchar
Monday 16 June 2025 00:38
,
Alex Woodward
Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman was shot nine times and “is closer every hour to being out of the woods,” his wife Yvette told Senator Amy Klobuchar.
Yvette Hoffman was shot eight times, she said. They are both “incredibly lucky to be alive.”
Just received this encouraging update from Senator Hoffman's wife, Yvette, on their recovery in the hospital. Grateful for their progress and will continue to keep them in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/ZE4bFe7Kup
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) June 15, 2025
The Minnesota manhunt, by the numbers
Monday 16 June 2025 00:20
,
Josh Marcus
Police in Minnesota continue to hunt for a gunman accused of shooting two state lawmakers and their spouses.
The search has broadened into a nationwide manhunt, with suspect Vance L. Boelter facing state and national warrants.
Here’s more on the investigation, by the numbers
- Over 100 law enforcement officers involved, including police from Brooklyn Park, Hennepin County, Champlin, as well as the FBI, ATF, and the US Marshals
- Over 400 tips called into law enforcement
- Over 24 hours since early morning shootings took place, and police still have not located suspect
Police call on community not to 'speculate' about Minnesota shootings
Sunday 15 June 2025 23:56
,
Josh Marcus
Minnesota officials are calling on those following the police search for Vance L. Boelter not to get ahead of official information or share unverified conspiracies.
“I would encourage everyone online and in our communities to not speculate,” Drew Evans, superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, said during a Sunday press conference.
“We often want easy answers to complex questions,” Evans added, but urged the public to allow the investigative process to play out.
Local leaders remember 'remarkable individuals' targeted in shooting
Sunday 15 June 2025 23:47
,
Josh Marcus
Officials from Champlin and Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, are paying tribute to the state lawmakers and their families targeted in Saturday’s shootings.
Mayor Ryan Sabas of Champlin said the lawmakers were “remarkable individuals who have devoted their lives to serving others.”
“Now more than ever we must truly focus on what matters,” he added. “Beneath all our differences — personal, political, or otherwise — we are all human beings, and every human life has value.”
Mayor Hollies Winston or Brooklyn Park added that the slain Rep. Melissa Hortman had “such an impact on unifying our communities and bringing them together.”
Watch: Officials provide update on hunt for Vance Luther Boelter
Sunday 15 June 2025 23:29
,
Josh Marcus
Minnesota law enforcement officials are about to provide a public update on the manhunt for Vance Luther Boelter, who is suspected of shooting a pair of state lawmakers and their spouses this weekend
We’ll be following all the details live.
You can watch the press conference here, via the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Suspected shooter's car towed away
Sunday 15 June 2025 23:20
,
Ariana Baio
The abandoned vehicle that law enforcement officials identified as the suspected shooter’s car has been towed away from the side of the highway where it was discovered.
Minnesota suspected shooter’s roommate claims he was ‘not as upbeat’
Sunday 15 June 2025 23:00
,
Ariana Baio
A man who lived with Vance Luther Boelter, suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses on Saturday, said his lifelong friend had been “down” lately after returning from a trip.
Read more here:
Boelter spoke with his roommate night before shootings
Sunday 15 June 2025 22:30
,
Ariana Baio
Vance Boelter, the man police have named as a suspect in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, spoke with his roommate the night before the attacks.
David Carlson, Boelter’s longtime friend and roommate, said he spoke with Boelter around 7 p.m. on Friday and that Boelter was going to sleep because he had to wake up early.
Although a website for a private security firm in Minnesota lists Boelter as its “director of security patrols,” Carlson said that was just a “goal” and not Boelter’s main job.
Boelter was working for a job where he extracted eyeballs from cadavers for organ donations.
Friend says suspected shooter was a born-again Christian
Sunday 15 June 2025 22:00
,
Ariana Baio
David Carlson, the friend and roommate of the suspected shooter, Vance Boelter, told the Washington Post that his friend would preach about Jesus in parks.
“He was just trying to spread the word about Jesus,” Carlson said.
Carlson said Boelter became a born-again Christian when the two were in high school.
He said Boelter strongly opposed abortion but that his friend did not speak much about politics.
Officials to provide an update at 5:30 pm CT
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:29
,
Ariana Baio
Minnesota law enforcement officials will provide a public update on their search for the man suspected of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses at 5:30 p.m. Central Time (6:30 p.m. ET.)
Authorities searching for suspect in area where vehicle was found
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:14
,
Ariana Baio
A large presence of law enforcement officials at every level is currently searching the area where they discovered Vance Boelter’s unoccupied vehicle this morning in Minnesota.
Parked on the side of the highway are at least half a dozen police cars, several armed vehicles, and some SWAT trucks.
Police have asked residents in the area to keep doors locked and be on the lookout for Boelter, who is on the run after killing a Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband and wounding another state lawmaker and his wife.
National Abortion Federation says they’re providing ‘additional security’ to partners in Minnesota
Sunday 15 June 2025 21:00
,
Ariana Baio
A spokesperson for the National Abortion Federation said they are working with members in Minnesota to provide “additional security” while the suspected gunman is still at large.
The suspect, who police have named Vance Boelter, was reportedly anti-abortion and created a manifesto and list that named pro-choice legislators, officials, and organizations.
“NAF has been tracking incidents of violence and disruption against abortion providers for 45 years, and this targeting of providers is unfortunately not new,” Melissa Fowler, the Chief Program Officer, said in a statement.
“The harassment and violence targeting physicians, nurses, clinic staff, and the people they care for is yet another form of hate and fear-mongering inflicted by white supremacists and far-right extremists.”
“NAF will do everything within our power to ensure abortion providers have the resources, trainings, and security support so that they can continue to provide quality, evidence-based abortion care to their communities.”
Investigators are confident they’ll find suspect
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:34
,
Ariana Baio
Investigators are currently searching for the suspected gunman accused of shooting two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, but they are “absolutely” confident that they will find him.
“The number of agencies and officers and agents that are dedicated to this case, I’m very confident that we’re going to be able to successfully get this to an end,” Travis Riddle, the special agent in charge of the ATF in St. Paul field division, told Fox News on Sunday.
Riddle said there is no indication as of now that the suspected gunman is getting help from others to evade law enforcement but that they’re “exploring all avenues.
Watch: Police search for suspect in Minnesota shooting
Sunday 15 June 2025 20:01
,
Ariana Baio
Suspect went back to Minneapolis home after shooting, roommate says
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:45
,
Ariana Baio
A man who identified himself as one of Vance Boelter’s roommates said the suspected gunman went to their shared rental in Minneapolis around 6 a.m. on Saturday – hours after the second shooting occurred.
The man told the Washington Post, that he was able to tell Boelter returned after reviewing home security footage.
Mourners leave flowers in memory of Melissa Hortman at state Capitol
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:20
,
Ariana Baio
11 Wisconsin lawmakers named in gunman’s manifesto
Sunday 15 June 2025 19:00
,
Ariana Baio
The gunman suspected of shooting two Democratic Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses reportedly left a manifesto and list behind containing the names of other Democratic lawmakers, including 11 Wisconsin legislators.
The Wisconsin legislators named were all Democrats, eight women and three men, a source told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Wisconsin state Senator Brad Pfaff told the Journal Sentinel it was “shocking” to be on such a list.
"I don't understand the level of anger that would lead to such a violent outburst that took place today in the Twin Cities, and I don't understand why state legislators here in Wisconsin would also be on such a list,” Pfaff said.
Pfaff’s name was reportedly not on the list,
Wife of suspect is ‘in shock’ after husband named as suspect
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:30
,
Ariana Baio
Jenny Boelter, the wife of suspected gunman Vance Boelter, was “in shock” after finding out her husband was named a main suspect in connection with the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers, a friend said.
A man who says he was roommates with Vance Boelter told the Washington Post that he spoke with Jenny on Saturday evening over the phone and that she was “just in shock.”
Belonging found on side of the road in Sibley County: report
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:10
,
Ariana Baio
A cowboy hat and vehicle of interest, possibly belonging to Vance Boelter, were found along the side of the road in Sibley County, according to KARE 11.
An emergency alert was issued to locals in Sibley County indicating the suspect’s vehicle was spotted in the area.
Gov Tim Walz honors Melissa Hortman
Sunday 15 June 2025 18:00
,
Ariana Baio
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz honored Melissa Hortman’s memory on Sunday, calling her “The most consequential Speaker in state history.”
The most consequential Speaker in state history. pic.twitter.com/LRIZuNwxiM
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) June 15, 2025
Trump says he ‘may’ call Governor Tim Walz
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:45
,
Ariana Baio
President Donald Trump is considering calling Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, ABC News reported on Sunday.
When asked by reporter Rachel Scott if he planned to reach out to the governor after a state lawmaker was fatally shot by a gunman, Trump said:
"Well, it's a terrible thing. I think he's a terrible governor. I think he's a grossly incompetent person. But I may, I may call him, I may call other people too.”
Suspect’s vehicle located in Sibley County, according to emergency alert
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:45
,
Ariana Baio
A localized emergency alert sent by the Sibley County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday said the suspected shooter’s vehicle was located near Minnesota Highway 25 and 301 Avenue in Faxon Township.
“Law enforcement will be going to the area residences to ask to search properties,” the alert read.
Sibley County is approximately 35 miles SouthWest of Minneapolis.
Melissa and Mark Hortman helped raise and train veteran service dog
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:31
,
Ariana Baio
Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, helped raise and train a service dog for a veteran.
Helping Paws Inc., a nonprofit that provides service dogs to veterans, first responders, and people living with disabilities, posted a tribute to the two, praising their work.
“Melissa served her community in more ways than one. She was a Helping Paws Foster Home Trainer, a neighbor, and a friend. The Hortman family raised and trained Minnie, who is now a working service dog partnered with a Veteran,” Helping Paws wrote on Facebook.
“They also helped raise and train Gilbert, a service dog in training who was eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family.”
“Our deepest sympathies go out to their families, their loved ones, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We remember Melissa for her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world better—both in public office and through her work with Helping Paws.”
GoFundMe raises more than $37,000 for John and Yvette Hoffman
Sunday 15 June 2025 17:07
,
Ariana Baio
The community around Minnesota state Senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, have rallied around them to raise more than $37,000 to support their recoveries from a shooting on Saturday morning.
A GoFundMe, started by the Fernbrook Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization, is asking people close to the two to help with their medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and needed security measures.
Yvette is a Kindergarten Education Support Professional at the school, according to Fernbrook.
Wife of shooting suspect was stopped by police in vehicle on Saturday
Sunday 15 June 2025 16:45
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Ariana Baio
Jenny Boelter, the wife of Vance L. Boelter, who is currently a suspect in connection with the shootings, was stopped by local police while traveling in a vehicle on Saturday
Police in Mille Lacs County stopped Jenny, who was found traveling with three other family members, off of Highway 169 in Onamia – nearly 110 miles from her home in Green Isle.
The stop occurred around 10 a.m. on Saturday, County Sheriff Kyle Burton told the Minnesota Star Tribune.
“Deputies from my office responded with law enforcement from Hennepin County, and our role on this was [securing a] perimeter, so we were not involved in searching or questioning those who were in the car. I was told that the suspect’s wife and other relatives were in the car. My understanding is they were detained by authorities from Hennepin, and the individuals who were in the car were taken from the scene by Hennepin County law enforcement.”
The Independent has asked officials if Jenny was in police custody as of Sunday morning.
Members of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists were named on suspect’s list
Sunday 15 June 2025 16:21
,
Ariana Baio
Among the list of people named on the suspect’s list were members of the Minnesota section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, according to the Washington Post.
The suspect, Vance L. Boelter was reportedly extremely anti-abortion and had created a manifesto and list of pro-choice people, organizations, and officials.
A spokesperson for the association confirmed to The Post that members were included on the list.
Others named on the list included Planned Parenthood.
Minnesota Senator Tina Smith named on suspect’s list
Sunday 15 June 2025 15:51
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Ariana Baio
Senator Tim Smith of Minnesota, a Democrat, was one of the names found on the suspected gunman’s list, her press secretary confirmed to the Washington Post.
“It’s a terrible thing that public servants have to worry about their personal safety in such a tangible and scary way,” Smith told NPR.
Minnesota Senator issued tighter security after ‘politically motivated’ shooting
Sunday 15 June 2025 15:14
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Ariana Baio
Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota said she has been issued more security without her request after two state lawmakers were the targets of a “politically motivated” shooting.
Speaking with Kristen Welker on Meet the Press, Klobuchar said law enforcement officials are “concerned about everyone” after discovering a list of politicians, officials, and others in the suspect’s vehicle.
“I just know that they have added security without my request,” Klobuchar said on Sunday.
“I think people have to understand that this guy is a murderous, murderous man. He will know no limits, whether you're on the list, whether you're not. He may change what he's focused on, and that's what we're most concerned about right now, is that the next person, not a political person, but a person he just encounters?” Klobuchar said.
Klobuchar said not only was there a list of prominent Democrats and other officials in the suspect’s vehicle, but also a manifesto.
Law enforcement continue to search for suspect
Sunday 15 June 2025 14:36
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Ariana Baio
More than 24 hours after a gunman shot two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses, law enforcement officials are still looking for the suspect, who they’ve named as Vance L. Boelter.
Police say he is white, approximately 6’1,” and 220 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He should be considered armed and dangerous.
Melissa and Mark Hortman died of 'multiple' gunshot wounds
Sunday 15 June 2025 14:00
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Ariana Baio
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner said Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman, and her husband Mark Hortman, both died of “multiple gunshot wounds.”
In a press release, the medical examiner confirmed the Hortmans died as a result of the fatal shooting on Saturday morning but provided limited information beyond that.
The medical examiner listed both deaths as homicides.
ICYMI: Suspect may have had access to ‘police type vehicles’
Sunday 15 June 2025 13:00
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Ariana Baio
Vance Boelter, the man whom law enforcement has identified as a suspect in connection with the shooting of Democratic lawmakers and their spouses, may have had access to “police type vehicles,” according to his workplace’s website.
Boelter is listed as the director of security patrols for a Minnesota residential armed security company called Praetorian Guard Security Services.
On Praetorian Guard Security’s website, it says the company uses “the same make and model of vehicles that many police departments use in the U.S.”
Investigators said Boelter was posing as a police officer when he fatally shot State Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman on Saturday.
Trump promises to prosecute ‘anyone involved’ in shooting
Sunday 15 June 2025 12:00
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Ariana Baio
President Donald Trump said he has directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate and prosecute “anyone” involved in the shooting of two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses.
“I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday.
“Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!”
Friend of suspected gunman says he was ‘the nicest guy’
Sunday 15 June 2025 11:00
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Ariana Baio
David Carlson, a longtime friend of Vance Boelter, the suspected gunman, said it was unbelievable that the person he had known for 50 years could have committed such a crime.
“He w